ATLANTA - Governor Nathan Deal Wednesday touted the results of a transportation study that focused on 11 planned projects, two in our area.
The study, performed by Cambridge Systematics, concluded that new infrastructure will improve safety, reduce congestion and have a positive economic impact.
"These results are a testament to the positive impact this investment will have on Georgians in the near future and in the long-term. This report confirms what we’ve been saying all along, that these projects will move the needle when it comes to driver and freight mobility," Deal stated for a news release from his office.
The projects on the list in our area include widening two stretches of I-85 northbound, generally from Hamilton Mill Road to U.S. 129. The study predicts a reduction in travel delays there of between 56 and 69 percent when the work is complete.
Georgia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Natalie Dale tied it all back to the transportation funding bill lawmakers passed in 2015.
"So when we did have the flexibility and the sustainability in funding, we knew that this 11 is where we needed to start to get freight moving, to get people moving," Dale said.
The final study is scheduled for release later this month. Deal referred to Cambridge Systematics as an, "independent, nationally recognized transportation firm."
