The Georgia Ports Authority approved a $29 million contract for an overpass over Louisville Road that aims to curb neighborhood traffic and aid truck flow exiting Ocean Terminal. Although the bridge will connect from port-owned land to a state right of way, the GPA is footing the bill.
The overpass would be a truck-only exit bridge, which will also fly over the Springfield Canal, from the terminal to U.S. Route 17. The bridge is planned to be 970-foot and single laned until it connects to an existing on-ramp at U.S. 17, according to the construction bid.
“Sustainability has many different forms, and one of those is being sustainable socially with your neighbors,” said Ken Fountain, chairman of the GPA board. “That’s why we’re putting that money out.”
The Ocean Terminal entrance is just across the street from the Brickyard neighborhood. Others neighborhoods such as West Savannah and Woodsville are off Louisville Road further west.
The first phase of construction will include the bridge construction and require the relocation of a 24-inch gray water effluent force main that is owned by the City of Savannah, the construction bid states.