Less than a week after Bulloch citizens launched a petition asking for the help of state lawmakers with regard to a deadly intersection, the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners have released a statement and say they are actively working with state and GDOT officials.
The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners said Wednesday that with the assistance of State Representative Jan Tankersley they have actively been sharing concerns about the safety of the intersection with the Georgia Department of Transportation at Georgia State Route 67 and Brooklet-Denmark Road.
“We have known for several years before the State Route 67 widening project that this intersection would become more dangerous without a traffic light,” says Roy Thompson, Chairman of the Board. “Our county staff has reached out to GDOT District staff in Jesup periodically since before the beginning of the construction project about this issue, and I have been in frequent contact with Representative Tankersley. We have offered whatever County resources that we have available to expedite a solution.”
Representative Tankersley has assured County officials that GDOT is giving immediate attention to the increasing safety concerns. “The District Five GDOT office in Jesup has recently informed me the re-evaluation of the intersection is already in process. A report may be issued as early as next week to include recommendations for consideration from a safety consultant. I have asked GDOT and Bulloch County to keep me informed on progress so that we all can be responsive to the concerns of our constituents on this matter.”
At the time of the press release Wednesday, the petition had more than 3,400 signatures.
According to County Manager Tom Couch, signalizing a state-controlled intersection can be a lengthy process.
Using the intersection at Veterans Memorial Parkway and Cypress Lake Road near Statesboro as an example, Couch states that “it has taken over a year to get state approval and permits where a bid for construction is finally approved. A traffic study or evaluation on signalization that meets GDOT warrants or justification is needed, first. After that, there is typically up to four additional levels of approval needed before you can commence bidding and construction.” County Engineer Brad Deal says that he expects the Cypress Lake Road project will be completed as early as mid-December, weather permitting. “In addition to state permitting, on this project we have had to use an outside consultant to design the project to meet their standards, move utilities and acquire additional right-of-way, “ said Deal.
Chairman Thompson stated that “we intend to be vigilant, yet helpful, in trying to get this situation corrected promptly. We understand that the state has procedures they have to follow, but in this case, what accommodated local traffic flows years ago is not sufficient as our community continues to grow.” Thompson said that he is grateful for Representative Tankersley’s proactive assistance in this matter.
