Georgia DOT proposes replacing Kettle Creek Bridge on U.S. 1 that was built in 1924

WAYCROSS, Ga. (WTOC) - The Georgia Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual Public Information Open House (PIOH) about replacing the Kettle Creek Bridge on U.S. Highway 1 Business (BU) that was built in 1924 and widened in 1956.

Georgia DOT said the current bridge is signed weight-restricted and in need of replacement due to showing signs of deterioration that will continue over time.

“The proposed new bridge would meet today’s design standards. Also proposed is the construction of a roundabout on US 1 BU at the intersection of Jamestown Road/County Road (CR) 465,” they wrote. “The purpose of the project is to improve the operational efficiency and safety of this intersection.”

The total estimated project cost for improvements is $6.8 million.

There have been 30 crashes at the Jamestown Road intersection with U.S. 1 BU mid-curve between January 2013 and October 2022.

“Implementation of the single lane roundabout at the intersection of SR 4 BU/US 1 BU and CR 465/Jamestown Road is anticipated to reduce the occurrence of crashes at the intersection by eliminating left turns from CR 465/Jamestown Road onto SR 4 BU/US 1 BU, improving line of sight within the intersection, providing speed control on the approaches to the intersection and improving intersection lighting, function and operation,” according to the report.

More information can be found here: SR 4 BU/US 1 BU at Kettle Creek and at CR465/Jamestown Road - Bridge Replacement and Roundabout - PI#s 0018257 and 0019839.

“Roundabouts have demonstrated substantial safety and operational benefits compared to other forms of intersection control, with reductions in fatal and injury crashes,” they wrote.

Comments will be accepted concerning this project by Monday, May 18, 2026. Written statements may be submitted to: Amber Phillips, State Environmental Administrator, Georgia Department of Transportation, 600 West Peachtree Street, NW – 16th Floor, Atlanta, Georgia 30308