The intersection of US 319 Business with 1st Street/ SR 33 and Sylvester Highway/CR 525 in Moultrie, Georgia, had experienced numerous crashes over a seven-year study period, with approximately a fourth of the crashes involving injuries. Through a statewide safety task order contract, The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) selected Gresham Smith  to develop a design solution that would improve safety and traffic flow at the hazardous intersection.

Client

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Office of Program Delivery

Location

Moultrie, Georgia

Project Type

Transportation

Services

Engineering

Accolades

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After
Before
Through a peer review process, Gresham Smith determined that a single-lane roundabout with an elliptical diameter provided the optimum configuration to accommodate the sharp angle of the intersection. In addition to traffic simulation and alternatives analysis, Gresham Smith provided a detailed concept report, design construction plans and highway lighting design. The project scope also included improvements to storm drainage and access control, as well as ADA-compliant sidewalk upgrades. The Gresham Smith team also assisted with one of the most important aspects of planning a roundabout construction project – public education.
One of the biggest project challenges involved staging the construction of the roundabout so it could be maintained during traffic. Another challenge included providing easy access to businesses in the immediate vicinity of the existing intersection. Gresham Smiths phased approach and context-sensitive design solution avoided direct impacts to nearby properties and businesses.

Completed in September of 2016, the roundabout creates a new gateway to the city of Moultrie, provides a safer driving experience and serves as a model for future roundabout design in the region. The project was honored with an ACEC Georgia 2016 Preconstruction Award in the Traffic Safety and/or Intersection of the Georgia Partnership for Transportation Quality (GPTQ) awards program for its commitment to GPTQ’s goals, including quality partnerships and the improvement of long-term performance and durability of Georgia’s transportation system.

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Jody Braswell P.E.
Jody Braswell P.E.
State Transportation Leader - Georgia