Local Study asks should the I-75 Truck Lanes extend to I-675?

Georgia DOT is presently in the design phase to construct two northbound truck-only lanes on I-75 between Macon and McDonough. The proposed northern terminus near state route 155 has left many local residents frustrated at what they believe isn’t the right stopping point. Now, Henry County is funding a study to evaluate whether extending the project to I-675 would be a better end point.

Henry County commissioners approved conducting the study during their September 7 board meeting. When complete, the study will provide the county with new data sets as they continue dialogue with Georgia DOT about the project. The truck lanes project is scheduled to start construction in 2026.

I-75 Truck Lanes Study

Henry County awarded the I-75 truck lanes study to Croy Engineering of Marietta, GA in the amount of $146,540. The transportation planning department annual budget is paying for the study.

The truck lanes traffic impact study is tasked to evaluate the traffic impact after the truck lanes project is complete. This will include considering what, if any, improvements could be made to the state route 155 / exit 216 interchange. The study will also look at roads within a one-mile radius of exit 216 and consider the impact on them.

Georgia DOT analysis contends that traffic flow on I-75 north of exit 216 will be better after the truck lanes project. The study will assess that. Specifically, the study will model three scenarios:

• Traffic flow on I-75 North between SR 155 and I-675 without the truck lanes project (base line model),
• I-75 North between SR 155 and I-675 with the truck lanes ending at SR 155 as presently planned, and
• I-75 North between SR 155 and I-675 with the truck lanes extended to I-675.

Henry County staff will share the study’s findings with Georgia DOT so that the two agencies can continue ongoing discussions about the truck lanes project’s northern terminus. The study is targeted for completion by the end of June 2023.

Featured image shows I-75 North at state route 155. Photo credit AA Roads.