Local drivers weigh in on GDOT’s plan to widen I-95 in coastal Georgia

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Local drivers are speaking out as the Georgia Department of Transportation considers a major widening project on Interstate 95.

The proposal would widen about 22 miles of I-95, adding one lane in each direction from State Route 144/Ford Avenue to the Savannah River at the Georgia-South Carolina state line.

If approved, the expansion would take the interstate from six lanes to eight lanes, covering the stretch from Exit 90 to the South Carolina line.

GDOT spokesperson Jill Nagel said the project is a priority for the agency and local transportation planners as the region continues to grow.

“The I-95 project is a priority, not only for the Georgia Department of Transportation but also for the local transportation planning organization,” Nagel said.

Officials say safety is the main driver behind the project.

“Between 2020 and 2024, there were over 2,300 crashes,” Nagel said.

GDOT reports 42% of those crashes were rear-end collisions. Nagel said the goal is to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.

“We’ll be increasing capacity in this congested region that we have,” she said.

Several drivers told WTOC they can see potential benefits—especially if it eases backups—but they’re also worried about how long construction could disrupt commutes and whether work zones could create new slowdowns and traffic jams before the project is finished.

Timeline, traffic impacts, and cost

GDOT says the new lanes would be added to the outside of the roadway, where the shoulder is currently located. The project is expected to take about two years once construction begins.

Officials anticipate lane or shoulder closures during construction, but say closures will not happen during peak hours.

The widening project is expected to cost $101 million in taxpayer money.

One driver’s alternative idea

Driver Jofrank Peregrina, who travels I-95 regularly, said he’s not opposed to the widening, but wonders if other steps could be more cost-effective.

“I think it can improve the flow of traffic, but it’s hard with individual driving abilities,” Peregrina said. “I think what might be a better suggestion is to put a hard line on that left lane because a lot of people just ride that left lane for no reason when they can just as well get over. Maybe if they can just put a hard line on that left lane—how much would that cost? It would probably save us a lot of money.”

Nagel said GDOT understands the size of the price tag and is focused on using taxpayer dollars responsibly while improving safety.

What’s next

Construction is expected to begin later this year. GDOT says if scheduling changes are expected to impact traffic, the agency will notify drivers through social media.