Project DeRenne updates to be provided at town hall Tuesday night

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A road project nearly 20 years in the making is getting closer to completion.

Savannah District 4 Alderman Nick Palumbo is hosting a town hall Tuesday to provide updates on the long-awaited Project DeRenne.

The City of Savannah launched Project DeRenne in 2008. The goal was to develop transportation and infrastructure improvements that support safety, mobility and future growth.

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the City of Savannah are working together on the project which has been divided into four parts.

GDOT is working on the Boulevard, Eastern DeRenne Project and Western DeRenne Project, while the City of Savannah tackles the West DeRenne Congestion Relief Project.

The City’s portion aims to address immediate traffic safety and operational improvements along DeRenne Avenue from Montgomery Street to White Bluff Road.

Project DeRenne is currently in Phase 3, which is the last major conceptual phase. District 4 Alderman Nick Palumbo said the project is now one step closer to construction.

At Tuesday night’s town hall, Palumbo will provide updates on the current concept, including the Boulevard, Midtown beautification, upcoming construction hotspots and more.

“You’re going to see some disruptions in Midtown once construction begins. So, we need to get a great grasp of what the project is, what it entails, what the timelines are going to be, how this is going to be funded. Now’s the time to get involved before we start making those changes,” said Palumbo.

Palumbo also said the informational gathering will show Midtown residents and commuters the project’s future impacts.

“It’s a great opportunity to get up to speed whether you’ve been following it since 2008 or just getting up to speed just now. It’s a great opportunity to come see the brand-new Jenkins High School, get your fingers in this incredible project, get your hands dirty and meet the engineers that are making this possible,” said Palumbo.

The Alderman also hopes to highlight how the project will improve neighborhood connectivity, hospital routes and efficiency for cyclists and pedestrians.

The Project DeRenne update town hall is Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Jenkins High School.

Engineers behind the project will be on site as well to answer any questions.