Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
FINAL REPORT
July 2008
Prepared for:
by
Office of Planning
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Introduction...........................................................................................................1-1
Overview of Planning Area.....................................................................................................................1-1 Guyton ............................................................................................................................................ 1-2 Rincon ............................................................................................................................................. 1-2 Springfield ...................................................................................................................................... 1-3 Relationship of Effingham County to the Coastal Region .............................................................. 1-3
Plans and Agencies................................................................................................................................. 1-3 Planning Agencies and Regions ...................................................................................................... 1-3 Existing Plans Review ..................................................................................................................... 1-4
2. Goals and Objectives............................................................................................ 2-1
Vision ....................................................................................................................................................... 2-1 Transportation Goals .............................................................................................................................2-2
Transportation Planning................................................................................................................. 2-2 Accessibility and mobility ............................................................................................................... 2-2 Network connectivity ..................................................................................................................... 2-2 Public transportation ..................................................................................................................... 2-2 Aesthetics and scenic corridors ...................................................................................................... 2-2 Land Use and Related Goals ..................................................................................................................2-3 General policies............................................................................................................................... 2-3 Existing infrastructure and services ............................................................................................... 2-3
3. Public Involvement .............................................................................................. 3-1
Outreach effort and description ........................................................................................................... 3-1 Study Website ................................................................................................................................ 3-1 Public Meetings and Surveys .......................................................................................................... 3-2
Issues and Opportunities Identified .....................................................................................................3-2 Stakeholder Interviews................................................................................................................... 3-2 Public Consultation.........................................................................................................................3-3 Previous findings from the 2007 Comprehensive Plan...................................................................3-3
4. Planning Context..................................................................................................4-1
Built and Natural Environment ............................................................................................................. 4-1 Land Use ......................................................................................................................................... 4-1 Activity Centers and Community Facilities .....................................................................................4-3 Future Zoning and Land Use...........................................................................................................4-5 Historic Sites .................................................................................................................................. 4-8 Wetlands........................................................................................................................................ 4-8
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Table of Contents
Residents and Businesses .....................................................................................................................4-11 Population .....................................................................................................................................4-11 Employment ................................................................................................................................. 4-12 Environmental Justice Communities ............................................................................................ 4-14
5. Existing and Future Conditions Analysis ............................................................ 5-1
Roadway ................................................................................................................................................. 5-1 Functional Classification ................................................................................................................. 5-1 Safety .............................................................................................................................................. 5-5 Level of Service ...............................................................................................................................5-9 Road Surface and Bridge Conditions ............................................................................................. 5-11 Intersections and Operations ........................................................................................................5-15 Parking...........................................................................................................................................5-17 Emergency Vehicles and Evacuation Routes .................................................................................5-17 Summary of Roadway Needs........................................................................................................ 5-18
Freight Movement ............................................................................................................................... 5-18 Truck ............................................................................................................................................. 5-19 Rail ................................................................................................................................................5-20 Summary of Freight Needs ........................................................................................................... 5-23
Pedestrian and Bicycle .........................................................................................................................5-23 Existing Pedestrian Conditions..................................................................................................... 5-24 Summary of Pedestrian Needs ..................................................................................................... 5-24 Existing Conditions for Bicycle Transportation ............................................................................ 5-27 Summary of Bicycle Needs............................................................................................................5-28
Transit ...................................................................................................................................................5-30 Commuter Routes and Park and Ride Lots...................................................................................5-30 Paratransit ....................................................................................................................................5-30 Potential for Commuter or Regional Rail Service ......................................................................... 5-31 Present Regional Transit Planning and Programming Efforts ..................................................... 5-31 Summary of Transit Needs ........................................................................................................... 5-31
6. Recommended Projects and Policies..................................................................6-1
Roadway Recommendations................................................................................................................. 6-1 Bicycle Recommendations.................................................................................................................... 6-2 Pedestrian Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 6-6 Transit Recommendations.................................................................................................................... 6-8 Project Costs ......................................................................................................................................... 6-10 Evaluation and Prioritization............................................................................................................... 6-12 Prioritized Project Lists by Mode ........................................................................................................ 6-15 Recommended Policies...................................................................................................................... 6-36
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Table of Contents
Multi-Modal Connectivity, Mobility, and Access...........................................................................6-36 Travel Demand Management (TDM) ............................................................................................6-36 Access Management .....................................................................................................................6-37 Parking .......................................................................................................................................... 6-37 Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) .....................................................................................6-38 Urban Design, Planning, and Zoning Tools ...................................................................................6-39
7. Financial Resources.............................................................................................. 7-1
Federal Funding Sources ....................................................................................................................... 7-1 State Funding Sources ...........................................................................................................................7-4 Local Funding Sources ...........................................................................................................................7-5 Future Potential Funding Sources.........................................................................................................7-6
APPENDICES (provided under separate cover)
APPENDIX A. Public Involvement Documentation APPENDIX B. Overview of Socioeconomic Data Forecasting APPENDIX C. Travel Demand Model Development APPENDIX D. Preliminary Field and Environmental Screening of Selected Projects APPENDIX E. List of All Recommended Transportation Improvements
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Table of Contents
List of Figures
Figure 1.1 Ten-County Coastal Georgia Region ................................................................................................................ 1-1 Figure 4.1 Existing Land Use............................................................................................................................................4-2 Figure 4.2 Activity Centers and Community Facilities ....................................................................................................4-4 Figure 4.3 Effingham County Future Development Map from Comprehensive Plan...................................................4-7 Figure 4.4 Historic Sites and Districts ............................................................................................................................ 4-9 Figure 4.5 Wetlands and Waterbodies ......................................................................................................................... 4-10 Figure 4.6 Historic and Projected Population, 1970-2030.............................................................................................4-11 Figure 4.7 Historic and Projected Employment, 1970-2030 ......................................................................................... 4-13 Figure 4.8 Environmental Justice Areas (2000) ........................................................................................................... 4-15 Figure 5.1 Roadway Functional Classification System Diagram..................................................................................... 5-2 Figure 5.2 2007 GDOT Functional Class...........................................................................................................................5-3 Figure 5.3 2006 Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT)....................................................................................................5-4 Figure 5.4A Roadway Crash Frequency and Fatalities (2004 2006) ...........................................................................5-6 Figure 5.4B Road Segment Crash Rates by Functional Classification Vs. Statewide Averages (2004 2006) ........... 5-7 Figure 5.5 Vehicular Incidents by Time of Day................................................................................................................5-8 Figure 5.6 2030 Existing Plus Committed Daily Traffic Volume/Capacity (V/C) and Level of Service (LOS) .............. 5-10 Figure 5.7 Roadway Surface...........................................................................................................................................5-12 Figure 5.8 Signalized Intersections ............................................................................................................................... 5-16 Figure 5.9 Truck Percentage on Roadway System.......................................................................................................5-20 Figure 5.10 Past and Current Railroad lines in Effingham .............................................................................................5-21 Figure 5.11 Railroad Ownership and Public Grade Crossings ....................................................................................... 5-22 Figure 5.12 Pedestrian Needs Analysis ..........................................................................................................................5-26 Figure 5.13 Existing and Proposed Bicycle Facilities.....................................................................................................5-29 Figure 6.1 Proposed Roadway Segment Improvements ...............................................................................................6-3 Figure 6.2 Proposed Intersection Improvements ......................................................................................................... 6-4 Figure 6.3 Proposed Bicycle Improvements...................................................................................................................6-5 Figure 6.4 Proposed Pedestrian Improvements ............................................................................................................6-7 Figure 6.5 Proposed Transit Improvements.................................................................................................................. 6-9 Figure 6.6 Estimated Cost of Roadway Segment Improvements Benefitting Each Mode.........................................6-11 Figure 6.7 Number of Miles of Roadway Recommended for Various Types of Improvements ................................ 6-12
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Table of Contents
List of Tables
Table 1.1 Resources Consulted During Planning Process ............................................................................................... 1-5 Table 4.1 Land Use Distribution in Effingham County....................................................................................................4-3 Table 4.2 Description of Transportation Facility Character Areas.................................................................................4-5 Table 4.3 Wetland Area in Cities and County................................................................................................................. 4-8 Table 5.1 Roadway Type and Utilization ......................................................................................................................... 5-2 Table 5.2 Crash Statistics by Year....................................................................................................................................5-5 Table 5.3 Bridge Conditions........................................................................................................................................... 5-13 Table 5.4 FHWA Sidewalk Guidelines............................................................................................................................ 5-25 Table 6.1 Assumed Per-mile Cost of Various Types of Transportation Improvements ............................................. 6-10 Table 6.2 Evaluation Factors and Associated Points ................................................................................................... 6-14 Table 6.3 Prioritized List of All Recommended Potential Projects (Overview) .......................................................... 6-15 Table 6.4 Ranked List of Recommended Potential Roadway Projects.......................................................................6-23 Table 6.5 Ranked List of Recommended Potential Bicycle Projects ...........................................................................6-27 Table 6.6 Ranked List of Recommended Potential Pedestrian Projects .................................................................... 6-31
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Glossary of Acronyms
Glossary of Acronyms
AADT AASHTO CARE CAT CID CMAQ CZM DCA DHR DNR DRI E+C EDA EJ FHWA FTA GDOT GIS HOV ISTEA ITS LOS MMTS MPO MSA NBI NHRP PACES PIP RDC SAFETEA-LU SOV SPLOST SRTA STAA STIP STP TAD TDM TDR USDOT V/C
Annual Average Daily Traffic American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Critical Analysis Reporting Environment Chatham Area Transit Community Improvement District Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Coastal Zone Management Department of Community Affairs Department of Human Resources Department of Natural Resources Development of Regional Impact Existing plus Committed Economic Development Authority (Effingham) Environmental Justice Federal Highway Administration Federal Transit Administration Georgia Department of Transportation Geographic Information Systems High Occupancy Vehicle Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (1991) Intelligent Transportation System Level of Service Multi-Modal Transportation Study Metropolitan Planning Organization Metropolitan Statistical Area National Bridge Inventory National Register of Historic Places Pavement Condition Evaluation System Public Involvement Plan Regional Development Center Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (2005) Single Occupant Vehicle Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax State Road and Tollway Authority (Georgia) Surface Transportation Assistance Act (1982) State Transportation Improvement Program Surface Transportation Program Tax Allocation District Travel Demand Management Transfer of Development Rights United States Department of Transportation Volume to Capacity
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 1. Introduction
1. Introduction
Transportation is fundamental to a prosperous economy and quality of life for residents, visitors, and businesses in Effingham County. As emphasized by current SAFETEA-LU legislation, the movement of people and goods is dependent on a safe, accountable, flexible and efficient transportation system, which takes into the account the needs of all users and the environment.
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), in cooperation with Effingham County, initiated a multi-modal transportation study for the county and the cities of Guyton, Rincon, and Springfield. The study is made necessary by the projected growth that will take place over the next twenty-five years of approximately 30,000 new residents and 15,000 new jobs.
The objective of this Mutli-Modal Transportation Study (MMTS) is to improve access and mobility, with improved safety and security, for people and goods throughout the county and as part of the rapidly- growing Georgia Coastal Region. The MMTS supports, and was developed in coordination with, the 2007 update to the Effingham County Comprehensive Plan.
This study provides an assessment of transportation inventory and needs, and the policy and strategy framework to help Effingham County Officials select and prioritize future transportation programs and projects through the year 2030. The MMTS includes a detailed inventory and analysis of multiple aspects of the transportation network, including roads and bridges, bicycles and pedestrian facilities, public transportation, and freight, and can be used as a guide in creating an official financially-constrained Effingham County Comprehensive Transportation Plan.
Overview of Planning Area
Effingham is a rapidly growing county located in southeast Georgia. Georgia's Coastal Region comprises 10 counties, with Effingham being one of four that are inland. Effingham is bordered by Chatham County to the south, the Ogeechee River to the west, Screven County to the north, and the Savannah River to the east. Bulloch and Bryan Counties lie to the west of the Ogeechee, while the South Carolina counties of Hampton and Jasper are across the Savannah River. Sizeable cities in neighboring counties include Savannah, Statesboro, and Hilton Head, South Carolina. Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Air Force base are also close by.
In Colonial days, Effingham County was referred to as St. Matthews Parish, of which the historic settlement of Ebenezer was the center. Following the Revolutionary War, the legislature named Effingham County as one of the eight original counties in Georgia in 1777. Ebenezer
Figure 1.1 Ten-County Coastal Georgia Region
Figure 1.1 Ten-County Coastal Georgia Region
Source: coastalgeorgiardc.org
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Chapter 1. Introduction
was the home of Georgia's first governor, John Adam Treutlen, who had represented Ebenezer at the Georgia Provincial Congress in 1775 and was on the drafting committee of Georgia's first Constitution.
Today the county covers approximately 480 square miles and includes the incorporated cities of Springfield, Rincon and Guyton which are surrounded by unincorporated areas of Effingham County. With 4.7% annual growth, Effingham was the 57th fastest-growing county in the nation between July 1st 2004 and July 1st 20051. The county and the cities of Guyton, Rincon, and Springfield all experienced a higher rate of growth than the State of Georgia as a whole, and ranked among the highest in the fast- growing coastal region.
Guyton
Guyton is located in west central Effingham County and is the smallest of the county's three cities in terms of both land area and population. Originally known as "Whitesville", Guyton began as a 250-acre land grant to a squire, following his service in the Revolutionary War. In 1838, the Effingham County Commission seized the land due to non-payment of taxes and proceeded to survey it, plat streets and property boundaries, and auction off lots. Additional streets were laid out when the city was incorporated in 1886. During its heyday in the early 1900's, Guyton saw up to 10 trains a day and was a thriving center of commerce for local farmers. After a period of decline following the 1960's abandonment of the prominent railroad running through the center of town, Guyton grew and prospered again, and has gained new residents at an increasing rate in recent years. In 2005, there were approximately 1,700 residents in the city, which now covers an area of 1.2 square miles. The downtown area has the most historic buildings of the three cities and is considered a historic district.
Rincon
Rincon is situated approximately 20 miles north of Savannah in southern Effingham. It is the youngest of the three cities, having been established in 1890 by the Southbound Railroad Company. As is typical of Georgia's "railroad strip communities" 2, Rincon is bisected by a railroad and its main street runs parallel to the tracks. Surrounding streets are arranged in a grid pattern. In 1955, Rincon was incorporated and over the next fifty years saw an increase of over 5,000 residents, to the current 2005 estimate of 6,850 people. Much of this growth occurred from 1980 onwards, spurred on by proximity to Savannah and employment opportunities at nearby industrial firms and utilities. The city limits cover approximately 6.7 square miles, making it the largest city in Effingham.
1 U.S. Census Bureau, Top 100 Fastest Growing Counties, Table HU-EST2005-05
2 Georgia Community Development and Morphology of Community Types, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Section (1989)
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Chapter 1. Introduction
Springfield Located north of Rincon, Springfield was selected as the county seat for Effingham County in 1799. Little more than a "stagecoach stop" at first, Springfield was laid out by surveyors based on a "square town plan" in 1821, with squares and parks reserved for public use.3 In the aftermath of General Sherman's "March to the Sea" during the Civil War, Springfield waned but rose from the ashes to become a bustling railroad town by the early 1900's. Passenger rail service has since been discontinued, but an active freight line still runs through the city and various historic structures and businesses are still found in Springfield. Over the past few decades, Springfield experienced steady population growth. By 2005, 2,300 residents called the city home.
Relationship of Effingham County to the Coastal Region Effingham is part of the Georgia Coastal Region, which covers 10 counties and 35 cities and is the second fastest growing region in the state, second only to Atlanta. The 2000 Census records the regional population at approximately 560,000 within a 5,110 square mile area. In 2005, Effingham contributed a population of 47,000.
Effingham plays an important role in the coastal community, both as a destination and as a thoroughfare for people and freight traveling to destinations such as Savannah and South Carolina or connecting with I-95 or I-16 for longer distance journeys. The region is well served with strategic transportation connections, including interstates I-16 and I-95; several major highways such as US 80, SR 21, SR 119, and SR 17; as well as rail and the port of Savannah. These facilities are important drivers of physical and economic growth. Effingham County's Economic Development Authority (EDA), in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce, has attracted over $1 billion of new investment since 2000.
Plans and Agencies
Planning Agencies and Regions The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) plans, constructs, maintains, and improves the state's roads and bridges. In addition, GDOT provides planning and financial support for other types of transpor- tation facilities and services including bicycle paths, mass transit, and airports. Effingham County and the Cities of Guyton, Rincon, and Springfield are eligible to receive state and federal transportation funds through GDOT.
The Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center (RDC) works with and serves governments in the coastal region, including Effingham County and the Cities of Guyton, Rincon, and Springfield. The Coastal
3 Effingham County Comprehensive Plan (2007), Natural and Cultural Resources Data Appendix
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Chapter 1. Introduction
Georgia RDC is the regional planning agency for Coastal Georgia and all planning activities in Effingham County should be consistent with regional plans produced by the RDC.
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) serves as an advocate for local governments. State policies are often articulated through DCA which provides extensive resources in the areas of building codes, coordinated planning, housing, and more. DCA's mission is "partnering with communities to help create a climate of success for Georgia's families and businesses." Formal programs include comprehensive planning guidance and Development of Regional Impact (DRI) review.
Within Effingham County, several agencies and private organizations are engaged in planning activities. The county and each of the three incorporated cities have planners on staff. In 2007, county and city planners collaborated with each other and relevant agencies to update Effingham's countywide Comprehensive Plan. The independent EDA is responsible for industrial recruitment and economic development throughout the county. The EDA is composed of representatives from each of the cities and the county commission districts. It works closely with the Chamber of Commerce which supports the business community with special focus on small business development.
Existing Plans Review
In preparing this Multi-Modal Transportation Study, multiple other related planning documents were consulted in order to maintain continuity, as listed in Table 1.1. Current ongoing planning efforts also have an impact on the development of this Multi-Modal Transportation Study. In 2005, collaborative efforts were initiated with Department of Human Resources (DHR) and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to design a Regional Plan for Rural and Coordinated Public Transportation. The concept of the regional plan is to merge the funding and resources of the DHR with GDOT to bring about a seamless regional system providing transportation to DHR consumers and the general public simultaneously in Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, and Screven counties. Described in more detail in later chapters, the Regional Plan for Rural and Coordinated Public Transportation is scheduled to be completed in Summer 2008, with implementation of services in Effingham beginning in July 2008.
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Chapter 1. Introduction
Table 1.1 Resources Consulted During Planning Process
Planning Documents
Effingham Comprehensive Plan - Community Assessment and Technical
Appendix (2007) - Public Participation Plan (2007) - Community Agenda (November 2007)
Geography
Effingham County
Municipal Code and Ordinances
Historic Effingham - Ebenezer Scenic Byway Georgia Scenic Byways Map (June 2006) Developments of Regional Impact, various plans and documents (ongoing)
Coastal Georgia Regional Plan (June 1998, updated November 2004)
Effingham County
Effingham County
Effingham County, selected sites
9-County Coastal Region (Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh)
Coastal Georgia Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (May 2005)
10-County Coastal Region (Same as above + Screven)
Regional Plan for Rural and Coordinated Public Transportation, Phase I (November 2005)
10-County Coastal Region
2005 2035 Georgia Statewide Transportation Plan
State of Georgia
2008-2011 Georgia Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP)
State of Georgia
2005 2035 Georgia Statewide Freight Plan State of Georgia
Georgia Coastal Comprehensive Plan - Community Agenda (October 2007)
Metropolitan Planning Organization 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan (September 2004)
Chatham County Comprehensive Plan - Community Assessment (2007)
Chatham, Bryan, Liberty, McIntosh, Glynn, Camden Savannah and Chatham County
Savannah and Chatham County
Sponsor
Coastal Georgia RDC
Effingham County Government Effingham County
Georgia DCA
Coastal Georgia RDC
Coastal Georgia RDC Coastal Georgia RDC Georgia DOT
Georgia DOT
Georgia DOT
Georgia DCA SavannahChatham MPO SavannahChatham MPO
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Chapter 2. Goals and Objectives
2. Goals and Objectives
Thoughtful goals and objectives assist in recognizing deficiencies and appropriate solutions. This Multi- Modal Transportation Study (MMTS) builds on the transportation elements of the 2007 Effingham County Comprehensive Plan, providing a more detailed analysis of each transportation mode and offering specific potential improvements in response to identified needs. The process of developing a strategic plan must also recognize that the plan does not exist in isolation. A robust and realistic plan should be informed by, and seek to inform, the goals and objectives of other related plans.
Effingham's 2007 Comprehensive Plan, the policy basis of this study, is composed of three documents: a Community Assessment, a Community Participation Plan, and a Community Agenda. The Community Assessment portion of the plan was completed in early 2007, and provides an overview of Effingham County its people, history, environment, infrastructure, services, and industry. Undertaken concurrently was the Community Participation Plan that identified local stakeholders and solicited public input to the planning process. The Community Agenda was completed in November 2007 and defines the vision, issues and opportunities, and implementation program for Effingham County and its three cities of Guyton, Rincon, and Springfield. As required by the DCA, it covers the following eight elements: population change, economic development, natural and cultural resources, community facilities and services, housing, land use, transportation, and intergovernmental coordination. In addition to the required eight elements, a ninth "community character" element is also present due to the volume of public comment received relating to the design of public spaces in Effingham County.
Though this Multi-Modal Transportation Study focuses on providing a more in-depth assessment of Effingham's transportation infrastructure, transportation affects and is affected by all of the aforementioned elements discussed in the 2007 Comprehensive Plan, especially land use. Recognition of planning element interdependency is present throughout the Community Agenda and is reflected in the vision and policies set forth by it. In the interest of truly comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing planning, these guiding principles serve to create a foundation for this Multi-Modal Transportation Study as well.
Vision
Exhibiting common themes in their visions, Effingham and its cities desire to be inclusive, sustainable communities that preserve their natural environment and history, while guiding growth and investing in appropriate infrastructure so that old and new residents alike experience a high quality of life. In support of these ideals, a number of goals and objectives were established according to the nine DCA elements previously described. Transportation and supportive land use goals, which were generally the same for the county and its cities, are reproduced on the pages that follow. Taken directly from the Effingham County Comprehensive Plan, the following goals are the basis of this Multi-Modal Transportation Study.
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Chapter 2. Goals and Objectives
Transportation Goals
Transportation Planning
Develop a long-range transportation plan for the county.
Promote comprehensive, long-range transportation planning in conjunction with comprehensive planning.
Promote alternative modes of transportation, such as walking, bicycling and public transit.
Accessibility and mobility
Encourage mixed-use development and design standards that are pedestrian- oriented to promote mobility and access for all citizens.
Ensure that new and reconstructed roadways will support multiple modes of transportation and enhance the aesthetics of the community.
Support access management strategies to improve the safety and aesthetics of commercial corridors.
Network connectivity
Ensure connectivity between road network, public transit, and pedestrian/ bike paths.
Promote higher-density and mixed-use developments in areas conducive to walking and bicycling.
Promote a continuous network of bicycle routes and provide bicycle facilities (e.g., parking racks) at destinations throughout the county.
Promote pedestrian and bicycle mobility and circulation in and between residential subdivisions and surrounding commercial uses.
Public transportation
Promote county participation in a regional bus system, such as commuter routes to Chatham County and rural routes between populated areas of the county.
Identify potential linkages with social service agencies and proposed rural transit to provide transportation for those with special needs.
Protect opportunities for the future re-use of railroad infrastructure for public transit.
Aesthetics and scenic corridors
Reduce the visual impact of the automobile in both commercial and residential areas of the county/city
Protect scenic corridors including preservation of existing trees within the right-of-way.
Create a "sense of place" along the county's gateways and entrance corridors.
Adopt and enforce a signage ordinance to minimize the negative aesthetic impacts of inappropriate signage on the landscape.
Evaluate the entryways into the community and develop landscaping, signage, etc., at all points of entry in conjunction with private landowners and the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Develop a vision for the aesthetic quality of future arterial highways, gateway interchanges, and collector streets.
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Chapter 2. Goals and Objectives
Land Use and Related Goals
General policies
Address compatible land uses in all districts, especially industrial and commercial uses adjacent to residential.
Coordinate future land use with transportation.
Allow greater residential densities in areas where water/sewer infrastructure already exists.
Protect residential areas from intrusion of incompatible and conflicting non- residential land uses.
Promote efficient use of land by creating well designed, pedestrian-friendly development patterns that contain a mix of uses [where people have easy access to schools, parks, residences and businesses through walkways, bike paths and other pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.]
Target reinvestment in declining, existing neighborhoods to further encourage private sector redevelopment and accommodate future growth.
Encourage efficient land use.
Promote the development of mixed-uses and the redevelopment/revitalization of existing and underutilized commercial and industrial areas over development of new land for commercial purposes.
Encourage innovative land use planning techniques to be used in building higher density and mixed-use developments, as well as infill developments.
Accommodate new development while enhancing existing local assets.
Promote mixed-use development by right in appropriate areas.
Existing infrastructure and services
Encourage development in areas where infrastructure and services already exist to maximize efficiency of services and reduce costs associated with sprawling development patterns.
Promote increases in residential densities in areas that meet community design standards, environmental constraints and available infrastructure and service capacities.
Unincorporated Effingham County also had a number of land use policies regarding farmland and rural preservation. These are detailed within the Community Agenda.
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Chapter 3. Public Involvement
3. Public Involvement
A public involvement plan (PIP) was developed in the early stages of the planning process for this study. The PIP established the framework for public outreach and describes some of the tools and techniques to be utilized. It also highlights the multiple opportunities for citizen participation in the process and provides the foundation on which future engagement opportunities will build.
This approach is in accordance with the GDOT policy on public involvement in transportation planning and decision-making "to reach out to Georgians of all walks of life and to invite and encourage them to participate in transportation decision-making."
It is also consistent with Federal Executive Order 12898 (Environmental Justice), which sets forth the requirement where federal transportation funds are used "to involve appropriate agencies and all citizens in transportation planning regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or education level."
Some specific goals of the PIP are to:
Build public awareness and understanding of the transportation planning process
Gain an understanding of the public's transportation needs and priorities
Engage as many citizens as possible--including representatives from the cities and unincorporated Effingham County as well as traditionally under-represented communities-- using a broad range of outreach techniques.
Encourage public and stakeholder consensus around the most effective and efficient transportation solutions to meet Effingham County's current and future mobility needs
Outreach effort and description
In October 2007, the Study Team conducted one-on-one briefings/interviews with key stakeholders in the study area to ensure that stakeholders and community leaders in the county and cities had a working knowledge of the Multi-Modal Transportation Study, including its purpose and need, and had a chance to provide input into the process. The list of stakeholders included local government agency representatives as well as leaders of the business community, faith and community-based organizations, homeowners associations, and others. Appendix A describes public involvement activities in more detail and includes a summary of stakeholder comments.
Study Website During the study, an internet website was launched to provide an accessible repository of information for this Multi-Modal Transportation Study. It is hosted by GDOT at:
http://www.dot.ga.gov/informationcenter/programs/studies/Pages/Effingham.aspx
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Chapter 3. Public Involvement
The website provides information on the study, such as fact sheets, frequently asked questions, public meeting schedules, maps and analysis findings.
Public Meetings and Surveys
A citizen questionnaire was prepared during Fall 2007 to seek opinions on such matters as the long-term vision for the county and the cities, transportation elements and/or needs requiring immediate attention, and opinions of alternative transportation modes such as transit or bicycling. The questionnaire is available on the study website, and has been distributed at public meetings. A summary of questionnaire results is contained in Appendix A.
Public meetings are held in locations convenient to the largest number of people and scheduled to coincide with major study milestones. Various methods are utilized to promote the meetings, including newspapers, email notification of stakeholders, and information on the study's GDOT web page. The first meeting was held on December 13, 2007 at Ebenezer Middle School and was attended by about 40 people. This meeting focused on the transportation needs assessment process and preliminary findings. A second public meeting was held April 3, 2008 at Effingham High School and was attended by 35 members of the community. Preliminary potential project maps were displayed, following a discussion of the planning process to date and analytical basis of recommendations, by mode. At both meetings, GDOT and Jacobs Carter Burgess staff answered questions posed by the public, who were also able to utilize written comment forms created for the occasion.
Fact sheets and meeting flyers are posted on the study website, with hard copies available at city and county government facilities. In addition, stakeholders are provided with copies of the fact sheet and meeting notes to inform those they know about public input opportunities. Outreach to traditionally underserved communities included local contacts such as Reverend Delmons White and Homer Lee Wallace of the NAACP, who distributed extra fact sheets and questionnaires and helped promote public meetings. The initial screening process for potentially underserved areas indicated that Clyo, Egypt, Marlow, and the northern part of the county were among this group.
Issues and Opportunities Identified
Both identified stakeholders and the public provided valuable qualitative insight regarding Effingham's transportation system. Their contributions are summarized in the next sections.
Stakeholder Interviews
The overarching themes included the county's population growth, the balance and geographic spread of people/housing and jobs, traffic congestion, the existing transportation system, and truck traffic.
Interviewees voiced strong support for potential projects such as Effingham Parkway, upgrading the I-16 Interchange at Old River Road, enhancing Old Augusta Road, implementing corridor improvements on SR 21, and expanding Ft. Howard Road to accommodate future area subdivisions. A summary of the findings can be found in Appendix A.
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Chapter 3. Public Involvement
Public Consultation Fifteen questionnaires were received following the first public meeting (December 2007) and through the study web page. The questionnaires asked respondents to identify:
their goals and visions for Effingham County
critical problems the County was likely to face in the next 25 years
transportation problems they face moving about the county on a day-to-day basis
areas in the existing transportation network they felt needed immediate attention, and
the most critical transportation needs in Effingham County
A broad range of issues was highlighted in response to the questions. In their vision for the county, residents wanted to see job and physical growth that occurred in a sustainable and controlled manner. Respondents also desired to see more cultural, shopping, and leisure opportunities, including a shopping mall and more public parks.
"Inadequate clean water" and growing pains from "too many people" were the most popular views on the problems the county is likely to face over the next 25 years, and traffic and congestion was an almost unanimous response to the problems people faced on a daily basis.
Comments received at the second public meeting (April 2008) highlighted the need for countywide transit services, expressed support for bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and were generally supportive of proposed potential improvements in all transportation modes. Some community members expressed concern over the future alignment of the proposed Effingham Parkway and also questioned the impact of large-scale DRI development projects on existing transportation facilities such as SR 21.
Previous findings from the 2007 Comprehensive Plan Detailed issues and opportunities in Effingham County were first identified by community stakeholders during a series of Comprehensive Plan workshops held in Summer 2006. The nine previous DCA planning elements were addressed and, at the county-level, transportation issues and opportunities are described as follows:
Issues:
Reliance on automobiles Most residents must rely on their vehicles for traveling to and from their destinations. Most residents understand that traffic congestion will likely worsen as the population increases. Alternatives to the automobile walking, bicycling, and public transit will offer residents more mobility choices and reduce automobile dependency.
Inter-parcel connectivity and points of conflict Commercial development of single parcels has resulted in "strip development" and segregated business activities. Each parcel or
July 2008
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 3. Public Involvement
development that has a separate access creates a potential point of traffic conflict and reduces the efficiency of arterial roads. Roadway design and access management should ensure that new transportation facilities provide greater connectivity, better travel efficiency, and reduction of hazardous conditions.
Disconnected subdivisions Accessibility between residential subdivisions is typically restricted to vehicle travel along collector roads, as many subdivisions are isolated and only have single entrances and exits. To promote greater accessibility and mobility options and increase efficient delivery of services, subdivisions should be linked with a network of shared roads that allow movement through and between subdivisions. Such linkages shorten travel distances, improve public safety, and promote walking and bicycling between residential areas and other nearby uses.
Lack of public transportation For residents with limited means, or for those who would like an alternative to the auto commute, there are currently few options in the county. A rural transit system would introduce public transportation into the county. Regional bus routes for example, linking Effingham County with Savannah may also reduce automobile commutes. However, long-term public transportation solutions may require a more permanent and sustainable system than rural transit. As the county continues to grow, transportation alternatives should be continually re-evaluated. The county should also be prepared to participate in a regional commuter rail plan should one emerge.
Opportunities:
Creation of a long-range transportation plan The county currently lacks a long-range transportation plan. In cooperation with the cities, the county should create a long-range transportation plan to address proposed long-range mobility in the county. The plan should also take into account regional transportation demands, traffic forecasts, and the plans of surrounding jurisdictions. Future land uses and development patterns, as mentioned previously, should be intimately linked to the transportation plan. Also in conjunction with the land use plan, the transportation plan should be updated regularly to reflect new initiatives, funding opportunities, and public needs. The county is taking pro-active steps in promoting regional transportation through the development of the Effingham Parkway and this regional, long-term planning should continue.
Creation of pedestrian routes and bicycle networks Several bicycle routes through the county already exist, but they do not form a continuous network that links residential and commercial areas. Extending these networks and providing bicycle facilities will provide a valuable alternative mode of transit in the county, especially at the southern end where development is becoming increasingly contiguous along major roads. In areas where commercial developments are located near housing, sidewalks and pedestrian amenities along the public right-of-way should also be provided.
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 3. Public Involvement
Designation of scenic corridors The county's scenic roads, along with its natural resources and historic sites, are irreplaceable components which together form the area's unique character. Honey Ridge Road and Old Louisville Road, for example, are regarded by many residents as valuable aesthetic and historic corridors that need to be protected from inappropriate development, obstructive signage, and clear-cutting. Designation of these corridors as scenic resources will help guide an appropriate level of development while retaining the qualities that make them unique.
The three cities also identified issues regarding automobile dependency and a lack of connectivity between destinations by multiple modes of travel. Immediate opportunities observed by each city include the creation and promotion of multi-use paths within and between city limits.
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 4. Planning Context
4. Planning Context
A transportation system cannot be studied in isolation from the environment in which it exists, the people it serves, and the industries whose development it facilitates. Evaluating context is crucial in determining how well a transportation system is performing and what current or future demands on it might be present. For instance, the intensity and arrangement of land development in a place directly relate to the types of transportation services and facilities that can be effectively implemented. Concentrations of jobs, services, and residences allow a wider range of viable multimodal options, especially public transit and walking. Dispersed development patterns do not readily support public transit and increase dependency on automobiles to satisfy mobility needs.
Because a variety of land development patterns may be desirable to the community, transportation solutions must be tailored towards the character of each area. Conversely, land use decisions must also be tailored towards the type of transportation infrastructure that is or can be effectively implemented. The various economic, social, and land development considerations that influence travel demand are presented in this section. Knowledge and analysis of these considerations were essential in planning an integrated transportation system for Effingham County.
Built and Natural Environment
Effingham draws much of its character from the combination of rapidly growing historic cities, the large areas of rural land, the Savannah and Ogeechee Rivers along county borders, and the proximity to Georgia's beautiful coastline.
It is therefore an important balancing act to ensure that transportation infrastructure does not detract from the historic character, adversely affect sensitive environments such as the county's wetlands, or take away from the sense of place in a community. It must respect this wide diversity of character while also providing residents and businesses with the high quality, modern transportation system that they deserve. It is vital that transportation systems and the built environment are designed with mutual respect for one another, and remain sensitive to the natural environment around them.
Land Use
The current parcel-level land use of Effingham County can be seen in Figure 4.1. Table 4.1 shows the percent distribution of land uses in the entire county, as aggregated from city and unincorporated county data in the Community Assessment.
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4-1
Office of Planning
Effingham County Transportation Plan
Existing Land Use
Screven
Us Hwy 601
Hampton
lyo
C Rd
State Hwy 652
State Hwy 462
State Hwy 462
State Hwy 119
Edw Porter's Landing Rd
Us Hwy 301
Us Hwy 321
op Tr
Old
State Hwy 21
State Hwy 13
Old River Rd
State Hwy 17
Oliver/kildare Rd
owell Rd
ards Lo
Kildare Pi tts R
Betsy Ave
Dixie Hwy N
Nixon Cha Thomps
C ly o -k ild a re
Old Rd
A ugus
Sam Sm
ta Rd
R
ee dsv
Us Hwy 278
ille Rd
Springfie ld Rd on Rd pel Rd d
Pryor R d more Bo
art Rd
Walden Br
State Hwy 24
lter Rd ok
Bur k ha
let Leefield Rd Bro
Brooklet
Sti l
son Leefield Rd
County Road 34
Bulloch
Ol
Old River Rd
d Elam Cem etary Rd Shearwo od
Rd Dutton Ln
und
ary Rd Savanna
h
Old
Dixie
Cor inth Hwy
De w itt Rd
Town Rd
C hurc h Rd Old Dixie Hwy
S
Ard
Shawnee
Lee Rd
Shaw nee Eg ypt Rd
Egypt
o
rg an R dChester Thomas Rd M
Clyo-shawnee R d Green M o rgan School Rd
Friendship Rd
Ollie Morgan Rd
Clyo Cy lo-shaw nee
S i sters Ferry Rd
Rd
F
St
St air
ill
well
C
Preister Rd
lyo Rd
Whitaker Rd
Laurel Tree Rd
Rd
Sister Ferry Rd
Spring Rd Exley Rd
Old Dixie Hwy
George H Harr y or
urst
Rd
Gr
iffin
Lake Rd Clark
Rd
Lindsay R d
ter Rd
Old
L
ouisv
P lle
Rd
Spring field Egypt R d
ranch Rd Old Dix
Turkey B
ie Hwy S
Tusculum Mt Hope Rd
Spri ngfield Tusclumboundary Li R
Bo aen Rd
Springfield Arnsdorff Rd
Old Tusculam
R
Keiffer dWallace Rd
Early St
Hill
Rd
Guyton Riverside Dr Newton Rd
Keith Rd Gracen Rd
4th Ave
Brogdon Rd
P le as
Wild er an
Rd t Acres
Rd
3 rd St
Clyde Rd
Ash St
Zettler Rd Mccall Rd
S Ash St
B e r r y ville
Reis er Rd Indigo Rd Stillwell Rd
Bethany Rd
Wils
on Rd B enjamin
Gnann
R
d
Stillwell Long Bridge Rd
Wylly Rd High Bluff Rd
Ebenezer
Mock Rd
Waldhour Rd
n Rd
Mill Pond Rd Nellie Rd
ph Rah
Archer Rd
Ga Highway 119
Watts Rd Pound Rd
Hon e
Central Ave
y Ridge R d
Go-
Heidt Landing Rd
Co hous e Rd
Little Mc call Rd
ur t
Shirley Dr Big TRd
Rahn Statio Rd
Ral
n Rincon
Plan
Bar tation
ney Rd D r Long
P
on
d
Rd
Hardy Rd 7th St
9th
4th St
St Fort
Howard
Rd
Old Augusta Rd
State Hwy 336
State Hwy 29
Us Hwy 278 Alt
Hwy 13
S tate
Jasper
State Hwy 141
Us Hwy 278
S tate Hwy 462 Cit
Green St
Us Hwy 17 Sun
y Blvd
Brooklet Denmark Rd
Helmey Dr cart Rd
Eldora Rd
i
State Hwy 119
U s Hwy 80
State Hwy 46
ate Hwy 119
State Hwy 119 St
Us Hwy 280
0
2.5
Liberty
Pembroke Bryan
5
10 Miles
Little Neck Rd
Pineora Marlow Marlow Rd
Sand ill R d
H
Ogeechee River Dr San
Edgewood Rd Blue Ja y Rd
Midland Rd
Lo G rounHdorsepen Rd Blandford Rd
Zittrover Rd
Zipperer Rd
w Rd
lue Ja y
B
Rd
Mcca
ll
R Oak
d St
Gr ee n e
Pine Dr
Dr
Chimmey Rd
Abercorn Rd
Old Augusta Rd
Huger St
Highlaand D r
Ho
dg
Goshen Rd
evil l e
R
d
Earl Lain Rd
State Hwy 170 S tate Hwy 46
South Carolina State Hwy 170 Beaufort
Keller RSdquirrel Run
Heidt Rd Nease Rd
d Hill Rd
170 Alt
Bluff Dr
Elm St Pine St
Old River Rd Meldrim Rd
Eden
Conaway Rd
Briarwood Rd g
Jabez Jones Rd
Roebli n Rd
Meldrim
Ranch
Oetgen Rd
Go dle y Rd
Rd
Bay Rd
Faulkville
Pecan L
n
Port Wentworth
Jimmy De Loach Pkwy
Savannah
Airways Ave
Georgia
State Hwy 170
State Hwy
State Hwy 25 State Hwy 21
State H
Schum an Dr
Bloomingdale
Chatham
Van Rd
wy 204
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
John Carter Rd
Fort Argyle Rd
Pine
Pooler
Barren Rd
Us Hwy 80 Garden City
Fair St
Savannah River LoSutaisteviHllwe yRd25c Bay St
State Hwy 67
Regional Inset
Burke
Allendale
Jenkins
Screven
Hampton
Emanuel
Georgia
South Carolina
!"e$
Colleton Beaufo rt
Candler Bulloch
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufo rt Beaufo rt
!"`$
Evans
Beaufo rt Beaufo rt
Beaufo rt
Tattnall
Long Wayne
Bryan
Chatham
!"e$ Liberty
Chatham
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 4.1
Legend
Existing Land Use
Agriculture / Silviculture Conservation / Parks / Recreation / Forested / Woodland
Greyfield Industrial Single Family Residential Manufactured Home Park Multi-Family Office / Private Commercial Service / Retail Commercial Public / Institutional Transitional Transportation / Utilities
Road Network
Interstate State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Effingham County Boundary Other County Boundary City Limits Water Fort Stewart Military Reservation Railroads
Source: Effingham County, GDOT, and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
July 2008
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 4. Planning Context
Table 4.1 Land Use Distribution in Effingham County
Source: Effingham County Community Assessment
General Land Use
Agriculture/Silviculture Commercial Conservation/Recreation Industrial Public/Institutional Residential Transportation/Utilities Undeveloped TOTAL
Number of Parcels
3,717 479 359 64 451
15,427 379
1,964 22,840
Total Acres (rounded)
196,500 2,200
43,600 5,200 3,500
32,800 7,100
16,600 307,500
Percent of Percent of
Area
Parcels
63.9% 0.7%
14.2% 1.7% 1.1%
10.7% 2.3% 5.4%
100.0%
16.3% 2.1% 1.6% 0.3% 2.0%
67.5% 1.7% 8.6%
100.0%
average parcel size
(acres) 52.9 4.5
121.4 80.9 7.8 2.1 18.7 8.5 13.5
Agriculture and silviculture (tree farming) are undertaken on approximately 2/3 of all county land. Another 14% of land has been set aside for conservation or parks, leaving slightly over 20% of land that is designated for residential, industrial, commercial, civic, and infrastructure use. "Undeveloped" land has been zoned, typically for residential subdivisions, but is still free of structures.
Differing land uses generate different types of travel demand in terms of traffic quantity and mode. Commercial uses tend to have the highest trip generation rates, followed by residential and industrial uses. Industrial, agricultural, and some commercial areas can generate more truck traffic, which has an impact on area roadway operations. Heterogeneous land uses within a relatively small area allow more walking and bicycling trips, while concentrations of activities (employment, cultural, shopping, etc) and direct routes between activity centers are amenable to transit. Multi-acre homogeneous zoning (of any type) and ample parking encourage the use of personal vehicles to fulfill travel requirements. Ultimately, the spatial distribution and quality of land uses, down to the site level, dictate the nature of travel demand even more than the simple quantity of activity generators present.
Activity Centers and Community Facilities
Activity Centers are important community focal points and feature in land use planning policies at regional and local levels. Three cities and a number of unincorporated communities serve as primary activity centers within Effingham County. Additionally, activity centers are found at crossroads areas and locations along key corridors connecting the cities and counties that have some commercial development. Community facilities are individual buildings or amenities (parks, etc) that serve as destinations, but are not necessarily contained within an activity center. Figure 4.2 depicts these potential travel generators.
July 2008
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Office of Planning
Effingham County Transportation Plan
Activity Centers and Community Facilities
C Rd
lyo
State Hwy 462
Us Hwy 601
y
#*
State Hwy 652
Rincon
Inset
Us Hw 2 78
State Hwy 462
State Hwy 119
Us Hwy 301 D
RD
Us Hwy 321
an Ln ta Rd
Springfield Rd on Rd
Tr
State Hwy 21
Ol
GA HWY 17
ARCHER RD
Guyton Inset
GRACEN RD
Old River Rd
ON BR OG
#*
")#* _
#*
*
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GA HWSYtat1e1H9wy 2 4 LITTLE MCCALL RD
alter Rd
GA HWY 119 Bur kh
o GA HWY 17
klet Leefield Rd Bro
Brooklet
WATT S RD
F LOY AVE
son Leefield Rd
Old
River
Rd County
390
Road
owell Rd
Kildare
#*#*#*
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#*#*
Old Augus
#*#*#* Clyo-kildare Rd
Corinth Churc h Rd
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undary Rd
dmore Bo
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lle
or
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ter Rd P
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rside
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to
n
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Little Mc ca ll Rd
Benjamin Gn ann Rd
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Mill Pond Rd
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c
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*
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Ga Highway 119
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Co ouse Rd
o w lue Jay
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St
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ff Cir
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South Carolina State Hwy 170
Nease Rd
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#*
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Godley Rd
Jimmy De Loach Pkwy
Georgia
State Hwy 170
State Hwy 25 State Hwy 21
State Hwy
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Savannah
r PkwyAirways Ave
Bloomingdale
Us
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d
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John Carter Rd
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Pine Barren Rd
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5
LouSitsavteillHewRyd25c Bay St
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Green St
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10 Miles
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Burke
Allendale
Jenkins Emanuel
Screven
Georgia
Hampton
South Carolina
!"e$
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Candler Bulloch
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufort Beaufort
!"`$
Evans
Tattnall
Bryan
Long Wayne
!"e$ Liberty
McIntosh
Chatham Chatham
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 4.2
Legend
Community Facilities and Activity Centers
Schools (K-12)
Elementary School = Red Middle School = Orange
High School = Yellow
c Library
") Park
") Landing
v Hospital
Fire Station
_
Police Department
#* Church
Road Network
Interstate
State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Effingham County Boundary
Other County Boundary
City Limits
Water
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
Conservation Areas Railroads
Source: Effingham County, GDOT, and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
State Hwy 67
July 2008
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 4. Planning Context
Future Zoning and Land Use
Comprehensive Planning is required by the State of Georgia as defined in the 1989 Georgia Planning Act. When the Comprehensive Planning effort for Effingham County was undertaken in 2007, a future development map delineating "character areas" was developed. This map is shown in Figure 4.3. According to the DCA, character areas are simply portions of counties and cities that "have unique or special characteristics, have potential to evolve into a unique area when provided specific and intentional guidance, or require special attention due to unique development issues". In effect, character areas are defined to serve as the basis for detailed and geography-specific small-area plans. All parts of Effingham County were assigned to character areas, whose unique qualities were agreed upon through an extensive public involvement process. For each character area, a description and vision were provided as well as implementation measures to achieve the vision. The descriptions make it clear what types, forms, styles, and patterns of development are to be encouraged in the area. Several character areas were specific to transportation corridors, and are seen in Table 4.2.
Table 4.2 Description of Transportation Facility Character Areas
Source: Effingham County Community Assessment
Character Area, Description, and Location
Vision
Implementation Measures
Regional Connectors
Arterial roads that provide high capacity access to adjoining counties and states. From a regional transportation standpoint, generally considered the main access routes in or out of the county.(SR 17, 21, and 119)
These gateway corridors should portray a high quality image of the community through protection and enhancement of vegetation, appropriate signage, accommodations for pedestrians and bicycles, and proper access management. These corridors should continue to support an efficient transportation network.
Maintain a vegetated buffer along the corridor.
All new development should be set- back behind this buffer, with access roads, shared driveways or inter- parcel road connections providing alternate access to these developments and reducing curb cuts and traffic on the main highway.
Encourage landscaped, raised medians to provide vehicular safety, aesthetics, and also pedestrian crossing refuge.
Provide pedestrian facilities. Provide paved shoulders that can be
used by bicycles or as emergency breakdown lanes. Coordinate land uses and bike/pedestrian facilities with transit stops, if applicable. Manage access to keep traffic
flowing.
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 4. Planning Context
Table 4.2 Description of Transportation Facility Character Areas, Continued.
Primary Commercial Corridor
Developed or undeveloped land paralleling the route of a street or highway in town that is already or likely to experience uncontrolled strip development if growth is not properly managed. Characterized by high degree of access by vehicular traffic; on-site parking; low degree of open space. (SR 21, south of SR 119)
This corridor will support attractive commercial uses that meet the needs of the community, promote multi- modal accessibility (vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian) and provide development that promotes a sense of place through compatible signage, architecture and landscaping.
Develop an access management program to improve safety and maintain mobility along these corridors.
Focus on appearance with appropriate signage, landscaping and other beautification measures.
Manage access to keep traffic flowing; using directory signage to clustered developments.
Encourage infill and redevelopment of unattractive strip centers to improve the quality along the corridor
Scenic Corridors:
These corridors provide visual
To protect, enhance and share Increase enforcement of ordinances
and aesthetic benefits to the
the cultural, natural,
to address old cars, abandoned
community, and are an important archeological, historic and
properties, and debris along the
part of the county's cultural
recreational qualities of this
route.
heritage. They are remarkable for county through the preservation, Designate routes as Scenic Byways.
their rural and agricultural
beautification and presentation Create corridor management plans to
landscapes, tree canopy, and
of our unique heritage for
address the preservation of cultural
views of open fields and spaces. present and future generations.
and aesthetic character.
(SR 119, SR 17, Ebenezer Road,
Market the cultural and historical
Rincon-Stillwell Road, Long
features that the scenic byway
Bridge Road, Stillwell-Clyo Road)
encompasses.
Continue to manage and regulate
signage along the corridors.
Every other character area also specifically addressed the provision and style of transportation facilities. Further details are listed within the Community Agenda portion of the 2007 Comprehensive Plan.
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 4. Planning Context
Figure 4.3 Effingham County Future Development Map from Comprehensive Plan
July 2008
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 4. Planning Context
Historic Sites
Effingham County has a rich history as one of the original eight counties in the state of Georgia, home to numerous Native American peoples and settled by Europeans in the late 18th century. There are museums, historic buildings and streets celebrating Effingham's Revolutionary War, Civil War, and Native American heritage. The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires that federally funded transportation projects identify historic properties and avoid or mitigate adverse impact.
The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) contains six sites in Effingham County: Jerusalem Lutheran Church at Ebenezer Townsite, Effingham County Courthouse, Effingham County Jail, Guyton Historic District, New Hope AME Church, and the Reiser-Zoller Farm. The Comprehensive Plan notes that the Coastal Georgia RDC database of local historic sites contains 83 local sites potentially eligible for the NRHP. The plan also mentions that there are twelve properties, including six historic districts, prioritized for nominating to the prestigious Register. Figure 4.4 depicts places on the NRHP.
Wetlands
Federal law and the Georgia Planning Act also require protection of wetlands and other natural resources from adverse impact. As such, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources maintains a database that defines, identifies, and maps the categories of freshwater wetlands and aquatic habitats. Table 4.3 shows the acreage of wetlands in the county, totaling 38% of the county area. Figure 4.5 depicts the geographic distribution of wetlands.
Table 4.3 Wetland Area in Cities and County
Source: Effingham County Community Assessment
Place
Area in Wetlands (Acres)
Rincon
1,799
Springfield
262
Guyton
189
Unincorporated Effingham County
114,770
Entire County
117,020
As a coastal county, Effingham has substantially more wetland coverage than most other Georgia counties, and thus faces unique challenges relating to development impacts. Through the Comprehensive Plan, the county is also working to adopt the Georgia Planning Act's Wetlands Environmental Planning Criteria, as well as the Groundwater Recharge Environmental Planning Criteria, and the Protected River Environmental Planning Criteria.
July 2008
4-8
Office of Planning
Effingham County Transportation Plan
Historic Sites and Districts
Hampton
lyo
C Rd
State Hwy 462
Us Hwy 601
Us Hwy 301
Us Hwy 321
an Ln ta Rd
Springfield Rd on Rd
Tr State Hwy 21
Ol
Old River Rd
Screven
State Hwy 17 S tate Hwy 2 4
owell Rd
Kildare
#* #*
T ho mps
Old Augus Clyo-kildare Rd Corinth Churc h Rd
Pryor Rd
d Elam Cemetary Rd
undary Rd
dmore Bo
EgAyr pt
Shawnee
Old Dixie Hwy S
Lee Rd
State Hwy 119
#*
#* Morg
#*
r s
#* SCistleyoFerry Rd
#*
St
#* #* F air
Ogeechee River
Brooklet Denmark Rd
alter Rd o
Burkh
klet Leefield Rd Bro
Brooklet
Stil
son Leefield Rd
Bulloch
State Hwy 46
390
Road
Rd County
Old
River
#*
Ga Highway 119
Dutton Ln ood Rd
State Hwy 119
Shear w
#*
Old Louisvi Rd
lle
or
ter Rd P
#* Riverside
Newton Dr
Rd
Preister Rd
Rd
Sister Ferry Rd
gfi cart Rd
Spring Rd
Berr y ville
#*
TusculumMt Hope Rd
Reiser-Zoller Farm
Sprin
Arnsdorff Rd
eld Egypt Rd
Indigo Rd
Benjamin Gn ann Rd
Effingham County Courthouse Stillwell
Mock Rd
Effingham#* #* Effingham CountSytillJwaelliRld
Ebenezer
Old Augusta Rd
Keith Rd
#* Springfield
Beebe Rd
New Hope AME Church
#* #* Gracen Rd Guyton
Guyton LHittilse tMoccraicll RDdistrict
Mill Pond RJed ruLsuNatehllleieemRrad EnvCahnugreclhical
Central Ave
#* GPoi- neora Marlow
Sand ill R d
H
#*
Edgewood Rd
Co ous e Rd
o w lue Jay
urth Big T R d
Ground Rd
L
Rd
Blandford Rd
B dg
Ho
Mccall Rd
cc
#* #* #* M
all Rd
#*#*
Rincon
State Hwy 652
State Hwy 336
Jasper
State Hwy 141
Old Augusta Rd
eville
0
2.5
Liberty
ate Hw y 119
State Hwy 119 St
Pembroke Bryan Us Hwy 280
5
10 Miles
204 Eldora Rd
Us Hwy 80
#*
Blue Jay Rd
Zittrover Rd
#*
Eden
Nease Rd
Midland Rd
Rd Pecan L
n
Port Wentworth
South Carolina State Hwy 170 Georgia
State Hwy
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
Fort Argyle Rd
#*Meldrim #*
Godley Rd
Jimmy De Loach PkwySavannah
Faulkville
Bloomingdale
Pool kwyChatham
d
Pooler
John Carter Rd
Pine Barren Rd
Garden City
Us Hwy 80
er P Dean Forest R Fair St
State Hwy 25 State Hwy 21
State Hwy 170
Savannah River LouSitsavteillHe wRyd 25c Bay St
State Hwy
170 Alt
Us Hwy 17
Us Hw 2 78
y
State Hwy 462
Green St
State Hwy 29
Us Hwy 2 78 Alt
Hwy 13
S tate
Us Hwy 278
State Hw y 462
Su n y Blvd
Cit
State Hwy 46
State Hwy 170
Beaufort
Regional Inset
Burke
Allendale
Jenkins Emanuel
Screven Georgia
Hampton
South Carolina
!"e$
Colleton Beaufort
Candler Bulloch
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufort Beaufort
Evans Tattnall
!"`$
Bryan
Long Wayne
!"e$ Liberty
Chatham Chatham
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 4.4
Legend
Historic Sites and Districts
Historic Site #* Cemetery
Scenic Corridors
Road Network
Interstate State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Effingham County Boundary
Other County Boundary
City Limits
Water
Fort Stewart Military Reservation Conservation Areas Railroads
Source: NRHS (2006), GDOT, and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
State Hwy 67
July 2008
Office of Planning
Effingham County Transportation Plan
Wetlands and Waterbodies
Screven
Us Hwy 301
Old Ri ver Rd
State Hwy 17
Hampton
lyo
State Hwy 119
E dw Porter's Landing Rd
op Tr
Old
State Hwy 21
Oliver/kildare Rd
owell R d
ards Lo
Kildare Pi tts R
Betsy Ave
Dixie Hwy N
Nixon Cha p Thomps
Clyo-ki
ldare
Old Rd
A
ugu
s
Sam Sm
ta Rd
R
eedsv i
lle Rd
C Rd
Us Hwy 321
State Hwy 462
Us Hwy 601
Stat e Hwy 652
Springfield Rd on Rd el Rd d
Pryor R d dmore Bo
art Rd
Walden Br
State Hwy 67
alter Rd oo
Burkh
Br
Brooklet
State Hwy 24
O
ld Elam Cemeta ry Rd Shearwood Rd
Dutton Ln
Ar
Shawnee un da rSy aRvdan na h
Old
Dixie
Co rinth Hwy
C
Tow n DRdewSihttawRndee Rd
hur ch Rd Old Dixie
Hwy
S
Lee Rd
Shaw nee Eg y pt Rd
Egypt
o
rg an R dChester Thomas Rd M
Clyo-shawne e Rd Green Mo rgan School R d
Friendship Rd
Ollie Morgan Rd
Clyo Cyl o-shaw nee Rd
S i sters Ferry Rd
F
St
S til lwel l air
C
l
Preister Rd
yo Rd
Whitaker Rd
Laurel Tree Rd
Rd
Sister Ferry R d
Spring Rd Exley Rd
Old Dixie Hwy
klet Leefield Rd
Stil
son Leefield Rd
Old River Rd
County Road 34
Bulloch
Ga Highway 119
George H Rd
H ar ry or
urst
Griffin
Lake Rd Clark
Rd
Lindsay R d
Sp ringfield Egypt R d
Tusculum Mt Hope Rd
Turke y B
ran ch Rd
Old Dix
ie Hwy S
Berr yville
Reis e r Rd
Indigo Rd
Bo aen Rd
ter Rd
Old
Lo
uisv
P lle
R
d
S pringfield Tusclumboundary Li R
Arnsdorff Rd Old Tu sculam
R
Keiffer dWallace Rd
Early St
Hill
Rd
Mock Rd
Stillw ell R d
S Ash St
Newton Rd Riverside Dr
Keith Rd
Guyton Gracen Rd
Victory
Dr 4th
Ave
Bro gdo n Rd
P le as
Wild er an
Rd t Acres
R
d
3 rd St
Clyde Rd
Ash St
Rd Z ettl
Mccall Rd
Springfield
er n Rd
Bethany Rd
WilsoBneRnjdamin Gnann Rd
Stillwell Long Bridge Rd
Wylly Rd High Bluff Rd
Ebenezer
Waldhour Rd
Mill Pond Rd Nellie Rd
ph Rah
Archer Rd
Watts Rd Pound Rd
Central Ave
Hon e
y R idg e Rd
Go-
Heidt Landing Rd
Co ouse Rd
Little Mccall Rd
urth
Shirley Dr B ig T Rd
Ral n
Anza Ln
Rahn Statio Rd
Plan
Barney Rd tation D r Long
P
on
d
Rd
Hardy Rd 7th St
9th
4th St
St For
t
Howard
Rd
Old Augusta Rd
State Hwy 336
Jasper
State H wy 141
Brooklet Denmark Rd
Helmey Dr cart Rd
Eldora Rd
i
State Hwy 119
State Hwy 46
Us Hwy 80
Pineora Marlow Marlow Rd
San ill R d
d H
Ogeechee RSivtaegr Defrield Rd San
Edgewood Rd Blue Jay Rd
w Rd
Lo G rounHdorsepen Rd
Midland Rd Zittrover Rd
Herbert Ke
er Rd
BlandforsdslRd Zipperer Rd
Old Augusta Rd
Huger St
Highlaand D r
ll
e ville Ho
lue Jay
Rd B
Mcca
R Oak
d St
Green
Pine Dr
e
Dr
Rincon
Chimmey Rd
Abercorn Rd
Run
dg
Goshen Rd
Rd
irre l
Earl Lain Rd
Squ Rd
South Carolina State Hwy 170
Kelle r
Nease Rd
Heidt Rd
d Hill Rd
ate Hwy 119
State Hwy 119 St
Us Hwy 280
0
2.5
Liberty
Pembroke Bryan
5
10 Miles
State Hwy
204
Bluff Dr
Elm St Pine St
R iv er
S Laurel Rd
Cir
Eden
Meldrim Rd
Conaway Rd
Jabez Jones Rd
Roebli n Rd
Meldrim
Ran
ch
Oetgen Rd
Go dle Rd
y
Rd
n
Briarwood Rd g
Pecan L
Port Wentworth
Jimmy De Loach Pkwy
Savannah
Ol d
Bay Rd Schum an Dr
Faulkville
Bloomingdale
y
ooler Chatham
d
State Hwy 25 State Hwy 21
Georgia
State Hwy 170
P Pkw
Dean Forest R
Van Rd
Pooler
Fort Argyle Rd
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
John Carter Rd
Pine Barren Rd
Garden City
Us Hwy 80
Fair St
LouSitsavteillHewRyd25c Bay St
State Hwy
170 Alt
Us Hwy 17
State
Us Hw 2 78
y
State Hwy 462
Green St
State Hwy 29
Us Hwy 2 78 Alt
Hwy 13
S tate
Us Hwy 278
State Hw y 462
Sun y Blvd
Cit
State Hwy 170
Hwy 4 6 Beaufort
Regional Inset
Burke
Allendale
Jenkins
Screven
Hampton
Emanuel
Georgia
South Carolina
!"e$
Colleton Beaufo rt
Candler Bulloch
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufo rt Beaufo rt
!"`$
Evans
Beaufo rt Beaufo rt
Beaufo rt
Tattnall
Long Wayne
Bryan
Chatham
!"e$ Liberty
Chatham
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 4.5
Legend
Wetlands and Waterbodies
Freshwater Wetlands
Lakes / Ponds / Rivers
Road Network
Interstate State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Effingham County Boundary
Other County Boundary City Limits
Water (Outside Effingham County)
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
Conservation Areas Railroads
Source: NWI, Effingham County, GDOT, and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
July 2008
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 4. Planning Context
Residents and Businesses
Between 1990 and 2006, the number of residents and jobs in Effingham County each doubled. Over the next 20 to 25 years, it is anticipated that population and employment will increase over 60 and 180 percent, respectively, from present-day levels. Approximately 80,000 people and 24,000 jobs are expected in the year 2030. Proximity to Savannah, a well-regarded county school system, and an abundance of scenic rural land are factors that contribute to this growth. The Economic Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce have also been quite active in working to attract employment to the county, which has resulted in over $1 billion of new investment since 2000. Much of this investment has occurred in designated industrial parks and, as such, manufacturing and logistics-related businesses make up a relatively large segment of the local economy, though a more diverse industry mix is anticipated to arise in the near future.
Population
In 1970, less than 14,000 people lived in Effingham County. By 2005, another 33,000 residents called Effingham home, giving a total of 47,000 people. By 2030, 33,000 more are expected to move in. According to Coastal Georgia RDC population estimates, Effingham will have 79,935 residents in 2030 as seen in Figure 4.6. The predicted geographic distribution of the population is detailed in Appendix B, and is based on the future development map. While growth may seem inevitable, it is possible to manage it so that new residents are perceived as an asset to the community rather than a burden.
People
90,000
80,000 70,000
2015 66,469
60,000 50,000
2005 46,924
40,000
30,000
1970
20,000 13,753
1990 25,687
10,000
0
1970
1980
1990
2000
Year
2010
2020
Figure 4.6 Historic and Projected Population, 1970-2030
Source: Coastal Georgia RDC Population Estimates
2030 79,935
2030
July 2008
4-11
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 4. Planning Context
A number of significant demographic changes have accompanied the population growth in Effingham County. For example, the median age has increased steadily since 1980 going from 28 years of age in 1980 to 33.6 in 2000. County school enrollment data from the past ten years shows total enrollment in- creasing by about 25% between fall 1994 and spring 2000 and increasing by approximately 19.5% between fall 2000 and spring 2006. The strong growth in school enrollment numbers, approximately 52% over the 12-year period, is no surprise given rapid population growth experienced by the county during this time.
Employment
Until 1990, Effingham was a very rural county, with less than 20,000 people and relatively little in-county employment. The period between 1990 and 2005 saw accelerated employment growth, particularly in manufacturing and port-related industries, and by 2005, there were 8,412 jobs in the county. The top five private sector employers in Effingham County in 2006 were Georgia Pacific (1500), Wal-Mart (350), Flint River Services (150), Doncasters, Inc. (135), and International Paper (125). The major public sector employers were the Board of Education (1703), Effingham County (280), and Effingham Hospital (224). Savannah Electric, a utility, employed 593 people in Effingham County. Together, these nine places currently provide two-thirds of the jobs in Effingham.
While 4,000 new jobs were added between 1990 and 2005, 20,000 new residents came during the same time period. Thus, it is likely that business growth will continue to accelerate into the future as commercial investment follows the residential market. Based on detailed trend forecasting methods and the presence of new industrial parks planned in the county, the number of jobs in the county is expected to increase almost three-fold, to 23,850 by 2030. This will result in population to employment ratio of 3.35 to 1, a more balanced number than the current 5.58 residents for every job. The employment forecasting process is further explained in Appendix B. Figure 4.7 shows historic and projected employment in Effingham.
July 2008
4-12
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 4. Planning Context
30,000 25,000
2030 23,850
Jobs
20,000
15,000
10,000
1970 2,445
5,000
1990 4,400
2005 8,412
2015 13,150
0
1970
1980
1990
2000
Year
2010
2020
2030
Figure 4.7 Historic and Projected Employment, 1970-2030
Source: Jacobs Carter Burgess, as described in Appendix B
Despite the growing number of jobs in the county, two-thirds of the labor force still works in other places, including Chatham County, Fort Stewart, and Hilton Head, South Carolina.4 In 2000, the labor force was approximately 17,200 people; 2006 statistics from the Georgia Department of Labor imply that there are 25,000 workers, just over half of the population.
According to the 2000 US Census, Effingham County had the highest percentage (83.5%) of its labor force driving alone to work of any county in the Coastal Region.5 Approximately 14.1% of workers carpooled, while the remainder (2.4%) commuted using other forms of transportation or worked at home. Seventy percent of workers left home between 6-9 AM. This reliance on inter-county peak-time solo commuting does not make the most efficient use of existing transportation facilities.
4 US Census Longitudinal Employment Household Dynamics (LEHD), 2002-04 5 US Census, 2000, SF3 Table P30
July 2008
4-13
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 4. Planning Context
Environmental Justice Communities
Among populations, there are certain groups of people who have been historically marginalized in decision-making processes or who have borne disproportionate negative effects from various programs or sitings of locally unwanted land uses or facilities. The term "Environmental Justice" (EJ) refers to a series of federal regulations requiring that human health and environmental impacts (negative or positive) from programs and activities are distributed equitably throughout the population. It involves significant components of public outreach and analysis of the nature, extent, and incidence of various impacts on a community.
The initial step in addressing potential EJ issues is to identify EJ target populations in the study area. The target populations include low-income (below poverty level), minority (non-white), elderly (over age 65), young (under age 15), and disabled residents. For financial, cultural, legal, or physical reasons, all of these groups display more propensity or need to utilize alternative modes of transportation than the general population. "Alternative" refers to all modes of transportation except personal vehicles. People without access to a personal vehicle would also benefit from increased attention to their needs during the planning process. Approximately four percent of Effingham households lack a personal vehicle, including ten percent of all renter households.
The following Figure 4.8 depicts the locations of EJ populations in Effingham County. Census tracts with above average numbers (as compared to a base of 129 rural Georgia counties) of minority, elderly, and impoverished people were highlighted. Certain numerical "classes" were described for these three groups, from a "Class 1" population having a slightly higher percentage than average number of citizens with EJ characteristics to a "Class 4" population which has a very high percentage of EJ citizens, relative to other rural counties.6 Because disability levels are so variable and special support services typically exist for handicapped individuals, no specific thresholds were devised for this particular group of people. Thus, they are not depicted specifically in Figure 4.8, but are assumed to reside throughout the county, especially in areas of more concentrated population. During the public involvement process described in the previous chapter, concentrated effort was made to solicit input from EJ groups. As transportation improvement alternatives were evaluated, the effects on the aforementioned populations were considered.
6 Methodology based on "Environmental Justice Identification and Proposed Outreach Report", for the Georgia Department of Transportation by Sycamore Consulting, Inc., December 2006.
July 2008
4-14
Office of Planning
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
R State Hwy 119 d
Environmental Justice Areas (2000)
Us Hwy 301
State Hwy 21
Guyton Inset CountyRoad474
Screven
d Tr
owell Rd
Kildare Pi tts R
Edw
ards Lo Betsy Ave
op
DyalPsorLtaer'nsdiLnagndRindg Rd
Hampton
Clyo R
ta Rd
Old Augus Clyo-kildare Rd
Us Hwy 321
State Hwy 462
Us Hwy 601
?
Rincon Inset State Hwy 652
Barney Rd
Victory Ln Plantation Dr an
Long Pond Rd
State Hwy 462
P Rincon-stillwell Rd
Seck inger Ford RdUs Hwy 278 n Kessler Rd
Cir
Lexington Ave
xley St t
Old
O Walden Br
Gracen Rd Gracen Rd
S
immons St
Victory Dr Hines St
unte
Old Rive
Victory Dr Lincoln
Ave
r
RHd
Alexander St
7th Ave
Davis St
r St Cherry
St
Brogdon Cedar Ln
Rd
Cemetary St
7th Ave 6th Ave
Poplar St
4th Ave
Powell Rd
G rif f in Rd
4th Ave
State Hwy 24
3rd St
Little Mc call Rd
Poplar St PopMlaar gSnt olia St Magnolia St
ChurcPhinSetWStCentral Blvd W Central Blvd
Us Hwy 80
Burkhalter Rd
Central Ave
Broo
klet Leefield Rd
St
ilson Leefield Rd
Central CArvoemley Rd
Halfway Rd Poun d Rd
Bulloch
Archer Rd
Brooklet Denmark Rd
State Hwy 67
SpringfieldCoEugnytypRtoRadd 557
Springfield Inset
Garden Ln
Old Dix ie Hwy S
Early S
State Hwy 46
lle Rd
State Hwy 17
Oliver/kildare Rd
Dixie Hwy N
Nixon Cha pThomps
el Rd
on Rd
th Church Rd
Sam Sm
eedsvi
orin
Pryor R d dmore Bo
art Rd
C
Old River Rd County Road 390
Egypt TusculumShawnee Springfield StiClllwyoell Ebenezer Ogeechee River
Old Louisville Rd
ld Elam Cemetary Shearwood Rd
Dutton Ln
Springfiel d R d
unda
ry Rd Savanna
h
Old Dixie Hwy Dew itt Rd
Town Rd
Old Dixie Hwy S
Ar
Lee Rd
Rd
Shawnee Egypt Rd
Griffin
Lake Rd Clark
Rd
Lindsay Rd
Sprin gf iel
d Eg
ypt Rd M rg an R dChester Thomas Rd
Mt Hope Rd
Pomery Rd
Old Dixie Hwy
Clyo-shawnee Rd Green Mo rgan School R d ranch Rd Old Dix
ie Hwy S
o Sister Ferry Rd
Turkey B
Bo aen Rd
Harr y or
ter Rd P
Springfield Tusclumboundary Li R
AOrnldsdToursffcRudlamSeRedWInallsaceetKRediffer Hill Rd
Early St
Riv er side Dr Newton Rd
KeithSRed e Inset
Gracen Rd Victory
Dr 4th
Ave
Bro gdon Rd
P leas
Wilder an
Rd t Acres
Rd
3 rd St
Clyde Rd
Ash St
S Ash St
Rd Z e ttl
Friendship Rd
Ollie Morgan Rd
Cyl o-shaw nee Rd
Stillw ell
St
S isters Ferry Rd
F air
Preister Rd
Exley Rd
Rd
Berr yville Reis er Rd Indigo Rd
S tillwell Rd
Mock Rd
er n Rd
Cl
yo Rd
Laurel Tree Rd
Whitaker Rd
Spring Rd
Bethany Rd
Wilson
Rd Benjam
in
Gn
ann
Rd
Wylly Rd High Bluff Rd
Waldhour Rd
Mil l Pon d Rd Nellie Rd
County Road 590
ph Rah
Guyton Ga Highway 119
Archer Rd
Watts Rd Pound Rd
Central Ave
Hone
y R idge Rd
Go-
Heidt Landing Rd
Co ouse Rd
Little Mccall Rd
urth
BiSghTirlReydDr
Ral n
Anza Ln
Rahn Statio Rd
See
Barney Rd
InPslaenttation Dr Long
Pond
Rd
Hardy Rd 7th St
9th
4th St
St Fort
Howard
Rd
Old Augusta Rd
ll Mccall Rd
Helmey Dr cart Rd
State Hwy 119
Marlow Pineora Marlow Rd
Sa Hill Rd
nd Ogeechee River Dr
Edgewood Rd Blue Jay Rd
Heidt Rd
w Rd
Lo GrounHdorsepen Rd
B
Zittrover Rd
Herbert Ke
er Rd
Blandfosrdsl Rd ZippMeriedrlaRndd Rd
lue J ay
Rd
Rincon Mcca
R Oak
d St
Gr een e
Pine Dr
Dr
Chimmey Rd
Abercorn Rd
Old Augusta Rd
Huger St
Highlaand Dr
evil le Ho
dg
Goshen Rd
Rd
Earl Lain Rd
y 13
Hardy Rd
LGoAnAgveS E 3rd St
Tyle4rthStSt
6th St 7th S 8th St 9th St
Boyd St
7th St Blandford Rd
W 9th St
Weis enbake r Rd
t N Caro lina Ave
State Hwy 336
Mccall Rd
Oa
k St Maple
Dr
MuWlbGeesrretrweynoWeodaDyrDr
Red Blu
Bunyo Fort Howard Rd
ff Cir Cy p r ess Dr Lewis Dr
Goshen Rd
Gold en Rd
Jasper
Wisenbaker Rd
Green St
CSatraotneiHDwr y 29
Chimmey Rd
Sta te Hw
Old Augusta South Rd
Us Hwy 17
Sta te Hwy 141
Us Hwy 278
State Hwy 46
South CarolinaState Hwy 170
Beaufort
h Rd
Old Dixie Hwy S t Early St
Keller RSdquirrel Run
Nease Rd
Bluff Dr Eldora Rd
Standard Ln
N Ash St
Gum
Wallace R d
Webb Dr
St N
Pine
Churc nt Acres Rd
3rd St
W 1s t S t
W
1st
St 3rd
St
Rose Dr
1st Ave
St
E21nsdtESS4ttth St
Us Hwy 280
Ash
St S
Hart
St
tate Hwy 119
S
Stillwell Rd Stillwell Rd
Ash St
Zoller Dr
Ash St
Bryan
State H
wy 204
Van Rd
Elm St Pine St
Eden
Bay Rd Schuman Dr
Conaway Rd
Jabez Jones Rd
Roeblin R d
Meldrim
Ranch
Oetgen Rd
Go dle Rd
y
Rd
Faulkville
tate Hwy
n
Briarwood Rd g
Pecan L
State Hwy 30
Georgia
Jimmy De Loach P kwyJimmy De Loach Pkwy
Airways Ave
Chatham
State Hwy 25 State Hwy 21
Census tracts (as compared
twoitahbaabsoSetavtoeeHfaw1yv21e790rargueranl uGmeobregrisaStacte oHwuy 1n70tAiltes)
of minority, elderly, and impoverished people are highlighted.
Certain numerical "classes" are described for these three groups,
from a "Class I" population having a slightly higher percentage
than average number of citizens with EJ characteristics to a
"Class IV" population which has a very high percentage of
EJ citizens, relative to other rural counties.
Old River Rd Meldrim Rd
S 17
Pooler Pkwy Rogers St
Dean Forest Rd Fair St
S Railroad Ave
Mccall Rd
Pleasant Evans Liberty
Zettler Rd
Mccall Rd
Fox St
Webb Rd
Golf Ln
Beebe Rd
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
John Carter Rd
Fort Argyle Rd
Little Neck Rd
Pine Barren R d
Old Louisville Rd
0 Us Hwy 80
2.5 Telfair Rd
LGoSwutiianstnveeilHltetwSRytd25c
5 Bay St
10 Miles
Burke Jenkins
Regional Inset
Screven
Allendale
Hampton
Colleton
Emanuel
!"e$ Beaufort
Candler
Bulloch
!"`$
Evans
Tattnall
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Beaufort
Beaufort
Beaufort
Bryan
Chatham
Appling Wayne
Long
Liberty
!"e$
McIntosh
Chatham
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 4.8
Legend
Environmental Justice Areas by Census Block Group for Effingham County (2000) Areas With Greater Proportion of African American Population (Rural Georgia Average: 23.9%)
Class I (23.9 - 36.2 %)
Class II (36.2 - 49.0%) Areas With Greater Proportion of Population Below Poverty (Rural Georgia Average: 15.5%)
Class I (15.5 - 20.2%) Class II (20.2 - 25.7%) Areas With Greater Proportion of Population 65+ Years (Rural Georgia Average: 11.8%) Class I (11.8 - 13.5%) Class II (13.5 - 15.6%)
Road Network Interstate State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers Effingham County Blockgroups Other County Boundary City Limits
Water Fort Stewart Military Reservation Conservation Areas Railroads
Source: GDOT, Sycamore Consulting and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
Acres Rd
Pleasa
Courthouse Rd
State Hwy 119
July 2008
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing and Future Conditions Analysis
5. Existing and Future Conditions Analysis
In order to prepare for the future, it is necessary to examine past and present trends. This section provides an inventory of the transportation network according to mode and describes the usage, characteristics, and performance of the system now and in the future.
Roadway
Effingham's roadway network is the backbone of its multi-modal transportation system. It provides mobility for residents to get to dispersed destinations expeditiously and also provides access to activity centers for drivers, walkers, bicyclists, and transit users. The next sections review the following topics relating to the roadway system: functional classification, safety, level of service, surface and bridge conditions, intersections and operations, parking, and emergency use.
Functional Classification
Functional classification refers to the design, capacity, and role of a facility within the roadway network hierarchy. There are three basic types of roads: arterial, collector, and local. As defined by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), a spectrum of roadway function exists with through movement at one end and access on the other. As seen in Figure 5.1, Interstates (a type of principal arterial) provide a high level of mobility, while local roads provide the most access to abutting destinations at lower design speeds. Arterials and collectors fall in the middle of the spectrum, and each roadway is either "rural" or "urban" depending on whether adjacent land has been formally designated as in an urbanized area by the U.S. Census.
The functional classification of a roadway can change over time as improvements are made to the facility or as the surrounding area urbanizes. To be eligible for federal money for improvements, rural roadways must be designated as a major collector or above, and urban roadways must be collectors or above. Though Effingham is currently predominantly rural, it is anticipated that the southern portion of the county will be folded into the urban Savannah Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) during the 2010 Census. Thus, Effingham County will contain both "urban" and "rural" roadway classifications in the future.
July 2008
5-1
Most
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing and Future Conditions Analysis
Arterial Collector
Principal - Interstate Principal - Expressway Principal - Other Minor
Major* Minor*
Through movement
Least
Local
Most
Access
* These categories are valid only for "rural" roads. The "urban" functional classification system does not make a distinction between major and minor collectors.
Figure 5.1 Roadway Functional Classification System Diagram
There are 737 miles of roadway in Effingham County, including 79 miles of (non-Interstate) arterials, 74 miles of major collectors, 121 miles of minor collectors, 459 miles of local roads, 11 miles of unclassified roads, and small portions of interstates in the southwest and southeast corners. Figure 5.2 depicts the current functional classification of county roadways. Figure 5.3 shows the average annual daily traffic as obtained from traffic count stations throughout the county. Table 5.1 depicts the recommended percentage of roadway miles by type and distribution of roadway miles by functional class in Effingham. As Effingham grows, it will likely need to upgrade some of its collectors to arterial status, providing greater mobility, and also construct more local roads for greater accessibility to abutting land.
Table 5.1 Roadway Type and Utilization
Source: FHWA Functional Classification Guidelines: Concepts, Criteria and Procedures (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/fcsec2_1.htm)
Functional Classification
Interstates and Expressways Principal (other) and Minor Arterials Major and Minor Collectors
FHWA recommended (rural)
2 4%
FHWA recommended (urban)
5 10%
Effingham County (rural)
3 %
6 12%
15 25%
10.8%
20 25%
5 10%
26.5%
Local Roads
65 75%
65 80%
62.3 %
July 2008
5-2
Office of Planning
Effingham County Transportation Plan
2007 GDOT Functional Class
C Rd
State Hwy 462 lyo
State Hwy 652
Us Hw 2 78
y
State Hwy 462
Us Hwy 601
State Hwy 119
Edw Porter's Landing Rd
Us Hwy 301
Us Hwy 321
State Hwy 21
op Tr
Old River Rd
State Hwy 17
owell Rd
ards Lo
Kildare Pi tts R
Betsy Ave
O ryor Rd
P
Oliver/kildare Rd ld Dixie Hwy N
Nixon Chap Thomps
Clyo-kildare
Old Rd
Augus
Sam Sm
ta Rd
R
ee d s vi
lle Rd
Springfield Rd on Rd el Rd d
art Rd
Walden Br
Brooklet Denmark Rd
Bur kh
Cromley Rd o
alter Rd
State Hwy 2 4
klet Leefield Rd Bro
Stil
son Leefield Rd
State Hwy 46 ate Hwy 119
Us Hwy 280
390
Road
Rd County
Old
River
O
ld Elam Cemetary Rd Shearwood Rd
Dutton Ln
dmore Bo
Ar
Shawnee undarSy
Rd av an na h
Old
Dixie
Co r i nth Hwy
C
Tow
n
Dew itt Rd Rd Shawne
e
Rd
hurc h Rd Old Dixie
Hwy
S
Lee Rd
Shaw nee Egypt Rd
Egypt
o
rg an RdChester Thomas Rd M
Clyo-shawnee Rd Green Morgan School Rd
Friendship Rd
Ollie Morgan Rd Cylo-sha wnee Rd
Sisters Ferry Rd
S isters Ferry Rd
St
Stillw F air
Preister Rd
ell Clyo Rd
Whitaker Rd
Laurel Tree Rd
Rd
Sister Ferry Rd
Spring Rd Exley Rd
Old Dixie Hwy
Old Augusta Rd
Helmey Dr cart Rd
Eldora Rd
i
State Hwy 119
Ga Highway 119
George H Rd
Harry or
urst
Griffin
Lake Rd Clark
Rd
Lindsay R d
ter Rd
Old
Loui
sv
P lle
R
d
Springfield Egypt Rd
ranch Rd Old Dix
Turke y B
ie Hwy S
Tusculum Mt Hope Rd
Springfield Tusclumboundary Li R
Bo aen Rd
Arnsdorff Rd Old Tuscul
am
R
Keiffer dWallace Rd
Early St
Hill
Rd
Berr yville Reis er Rd Indigo Rd
Stillwell Rd
Mock Rd
S Ash St
Riverside Dr Newton Rd
Keith Rd
Guyton Gracen Rd
Victory
Dr 4th
Ave
Brogdon Rd
Pleas
Wilder an
Rd t Acres
Rd
3rd St
Ash St
Springfield
Zettler Rd Mccall Rd
Clyde Rd
n Rd
Bethany Rd
WilsoBneRnjdamin Gnann R d
Long
Stillwell
Bridge Rd
Wylly
Rd
High
Bluff
Rd
Ebenezer
Waldhour Rd
Mill Pond Rd Nellie Rd
ph Rah
Archer Rd
Watts Rd Pound Rd
Central Ave
Hon e
y R idge Rd
Go-
Heidt Landing Rd
Co ouse Rd
Little Mc call Rd
urth
Shirley Dr Big TRd
Ral n
Anza Ln
Rahn Statio Rd
Barney Rd Plantation Dr Long
Pond
Rd
Hardy Rd 7th St
Rincon 9th
4th St
St Fort
Howard
R
d
Us Hwy 80
Pineora Marlow Marlow Rd
San d ill R d
H
Ogeechee RSivtaegr eDfrield Rd San
Edgewood Rd Blue Ja y Rd
Lo GrounHdorsepen Rd
Midland Rd
Blandford Rd
Zittrover Rd
Zipperer Rd
w Rd
lue Jay
Old Augusta Rd
Huger St
Highlaand Dr
ll
eville Ho
Rd B
Mcca
R Oak
d St
Greene
Pine Dr
Dr
Chimmey Rd
Abercorn Rd
dg
Goshen Rd
Rd
Earl Lain Rd
Keller RSdquirrel Run
Heidt Rd Nease Rd
d Hill Rd
State Hwy
Ogeechee River
Bluff Dr
Old River Rd Meldrim Rd
Elm St Eden
Bay Rd Schuman Dr
Conaway Rd
Jabez Jones Rd
Roeblin Rd
Meldrim
Ranch
Oetgen Rd
Godley Rd
Rd
Faulkville
n
Briarwood Rd g
Pecan L
Sta te Hwy 30
Georgia
Jimmy De Loach PkwyJim my De Loach Pkwy
r PkwyAirways Ave P
oole
State Hwy 336
State Hwy 29
Us Hwy 2 78 Alt
Hwy 13
S tate
Us Hwy 17
State Hwy 141
Us Hwy 278
State
Hwy 4 6
South Carolina State Hwy 170
Sun y Blvd
State Hw y 462 Cit
State Hwy 170
170 Alt
State Hwy 170
State Hwy
Green St
State Hwy 119 St
State Hwy 25 State Hwy 21
St y 17
Van Rd
204
0
2.5
5
10 Miles
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
Fort Argyle Rd
ate Hw John Carter Rd
Pine Barren Rd
Rogers St
Dean Forest R
d Us Hwy 80Kessler Ave
Fair St
LouSitsavteSilalHevawRnynda2h5RciveBr ay St
Regional Inset
Burke
Allendale
Jenkins
Screven
Hampton
Colleton
Emanuel
!"e$ Beaufort
Candler Bulloch
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufort Beaufort
!"`$
Evans
Tattnall
Bryan
Long Wayne
!"e$ Liberty
McIntosh
Chatham Chatham
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 5.2
Legend
GDOT Roadway Functional Classification (2007)
Interstate Minor Arterial Major Collector Minor Collector Local Unclassified (Paved) Unclassified (Unpaved)
Road Network
Interstate (Outside Effingham County) Other State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Effingham County Boundary Other County Boundary City Limits
Water Fort Stewart Military Reservation Conservation Areas Railroads
Source: GDOT RC File (2007), and Jacobs Carter Burgess
This map is intended for planning purposes only.
State Hwy 67
July 2008
Office of Planning
Effingham County Transportation Plan
2006 Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT)
C Rd
Hampton
lyo
State Hwy 462
Stat e Hwy 652
Us Hwy 601
State Hwy 119
Us Hwy 301
Us Hwy 321
ta Rd Springfield Rd on Rd
Tr
State Hwy 21
Ol
Old River Rd
Screven
State Hwy 17 State Hwy 24
Kildare 3160
$+ $+
680
owell Rd
T homps
560
$+
Old Augus Clyo-kildare Rd
Corinth Churc h Rd
Pryor R d
2020
$+
d Elam Cemetary Rd
$+ undary Rd
3380
Shawnee
dmore Bo
Ar
Lee Rd
Clyo-shawnee Rd
Shear w
Egypt
3770
$+
730$+ $+ 2040
Clyo
150$+0 $+760
St
F air
Preister Rd
$+740
$+ 1720
State Hwy 336
Dutton Ln ood Rd
Sister Ferry Rd
Ogeechee River
alter Rd
State Hwy 67
B ur kh
klet Leefield Rd Bro
Stil
son Leefield Rd
Cromley Rd o
Bulloch
Brooklet Denmark Rd
State Hwy 46
Us Hwy 280
0
2.5
5
Liberty
State Hwy 119 St
ate Hwy 119
Bryan
10 Miles
390
Road
Rd County
Old
River
Ga Highway 119
Rd
Spring Rd
2340
$+
Springfield Egypt Rd
B e rr y vil le
Old Louisvi Rd
lle
or
t er Rd P
Tusculum Mt Hope Rd
$+ 3000
Guyton Riverside DrNewton Rd
Keith Rd Gracen Rd
$+4460
$+ 2050
Mock Rd
Arnsdorff Rd
3010 1460
$+$+$+$+ 4900 $+$+$+$+$+ Wilder Rd 3530
5420 8770
7970
5620
$+
Sp96r1i0ngfield
Beebe Rd
$+ 5630 $+ $+ 3100
6780
Little Mccall Rd
Indigo Rd
$+1160
Stillwell
2040
$+
$+ 3420
$+2470 $+ 14740
Ebenezer
$+1080
N ellie R d
$+3870
Jasper
Central Ave
Co ouse Rd
o w lue Jay
2740
$+6830
$+
198770900$+0$+$+$+$+74447900
urth
Big T Rd
Ground Rd
Ri5n4c70o$+n$+$+2121543060
$+5400
Effingham
State Hwy 141
cc Mccall Rd
Helmey Dr
State Hwy 119
Pineora$+ 3960
L
Rd
B
$+ M all Rd
30100
Us Hwy 80
Eldora Rd
Marlow
$+
3060
Eden
Edgewood Rd
5020
$+ Blue Jay Rd
$+
2680
Zittrover Rd
Nease Rd
3860
$+ 4720 $+
3830
$+ Midland Rd 1930
6270
$+
$+4780
27990
$+
Sta te Hwy 30
50380
$+
South Carolina State Hwy 170
Georgia
$+10160
$+ 7660
$+
$+ 3880 860$+
Faulkville
$+
$+ 6430
15260
Jimmy De Loach PkwyJimmy De Loach Pkwy Airways Ave
State Hwy 170
State Hwy
State Hwy 25 State Hwy 21
Fort Argyle Rd 204
State Hwy
$+ Meldrim
$+ $+ 28260
31670
ate Hw
3180
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
John Carter Rd
St y 17
Dean Forest R Fair St
Chatham d
Pine Barren Rd
Us Hwy 80Kessler Ave
Savannah River LouSistvaitleleHRwdy 25c Bay St
170 Alt
Us Hwy 17
State
Us Hw 2 78
y
State Hwy 462
Green St
State Hwy 29
Us Hwy 2 78 Alt
Hwy 13
S tate
Us Hwy 278
State Hwy 462
Su n y Blvd
Cit
State Hwy 170
Hwy 4 6 Beaufort
Regional Inset
Burke
Jenkins
Screven
Allendale Hampton
Colleton
Emanuel
!"e$ Beaufort
Candler Bulloch
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufort Beaufort
!"`$
Evans
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Tattnall
Long Wayne
Bryan
!"e$ Liberty
Chatham Chatham
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 5.3
Legend
2006 Traffic Count Stations with AADT
$+ 35,001 and Above $+ 15,001 to 35,000
$+ 10,001 to 15,000 $+ 3,001 to 10,000 $+ 3,000 and Below
Road Network
Interstate (Outside Effingham County) Other State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Effingham County Boundary Other County Boundary City Limits
Water Fort Stewart Military Reservation Conservation Areas Railroads
Source: STARS (2006) and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
July 2008
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing and Future Conditions Analysis
Safety
Assessing the safety of the roadway system is a critical component of a transportation plan, and incident statistics can help identify key locations where safety improvements would be most beneficial. To perform a safety analysis, GDOT crash data and the Critical Analysis Reporting Environment (CARE) incident database were used to map incident locations and provide crash rates for road segments and intersections throughout Effingham County.
Between January 1st, 2004 and December 31st, 2006, the most recent available data, a total of 3,310 traffic incidents were reported in Effingham County, resulting in an average of over 1,000 crashes a year as seen in Table 5.2. These incidents involved 5,254 vehicles and resulted in 24 fatalities and 1,310 injuries. Nine fatalities occurred during single vehicle crashes, which made up almost half of all incidents.
Figure 5.4A shows the combined number of crashes occurring at intersections and along roadway segments, with fatal crash locations called out. Figure 5.4B depicts crash rates on mile roadway segments experiencing three or more crashes between 2004 and 2006.
Table 5.2 Crash Statistics by Year
Source: CARE Incident Database, GDOT
Year
2004 2005 2006 TOTAL
Number of Crashes
1,012 1,196 1,102
3,310
Number of Fatalities
5 9 10
Number of Injuries
433 409 468
Number of Vehicles Involved
1,616
1,889
1,749
Crash Rate per 1,000 population
22.7
25.5
22.5
24
1,310
5,254
23.6
Of the 21 fatal crashes (one crash resulted in four deaths), almost half occurred between 4-9 pm, and 17 (81%) occurred on roadways with a speed limit of 55mph or over, primarily minor arterials and major collectors. Driver age did not seem to be a factor and only three were confirmed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While not unusual for rural counties, dark unlighted conditions were more prevalent in Effingham's crashes than they were in the rest of the state, as were off-roadway collisions. Fatal single-vehicle incidents typically resulted from failure to negotiate a curve. From analysis of fatal incident data, it appears that targeted improvements on county arterials and collectors would have the most beneficial safety impacts. Street lighting and wider shoulders in sections of difficult roadway geometry may decrease the number of fatal crashes. SR 119 near Laurel Hill Road in Clyo is a hotspot that deserves further investigation, having had three fatal incidents occur within half a mile of this location.
July 2008
5-5
Office of Planning
Effingham County Transportation Plan
Roadway Crash Frequency and Fatalities (2004 - 2006)
Screven
Us Hwy 601
Hampton
lyo
C Rd
State Hwy 652
State Hwy 462
State Hwy 462
State Hwy 119
Edw Porter's Landing Rd
Us Hwy 301
Us Hwy 321
State Hwy 21
op Tr
State Hwy 13
Old River Rd
State Hwy 17
Oliver/kildare Rd
owell Rd
ards Lo
Kildare
Betsy Ave
!( Dixie Hwy N
Nixon Cha Thomps
C ly o -k ild a re
Old Rd
A ugus
Sam Sm
ta Rd
ee dsv
Wes Edward Rd R
Us Hwy 278
ille Rd
Pryor R d Ar dm or
Springfie ld Rd on Rd pel Rd
art Rd
Old
Ol Walden Br
lter Rd ok
Sti l
Old River Rd
George H Harr y or
Rd Dutton Ln
BrookleIt Bulloch !( ?!( !( !(G?uyton !(S!(pringfieA!(ld!( ? Burkha
let Leefield Rd Bro
Archer Rd
o
Brogdon Rd
Bo aen Rd
Turkey B
P le as
Old Dixie Hwy
Early St
ie Hwy S
Sister Ferry Rd
Ash St
ph Rah
Zettler Rd Mccall Rd
S Ash St
Friendship Rd
Mock Rd
Rd
St
State Hwy 24
d Elam Cem etary Rd Shearwo od
e BouSnadvaarnynRadh Tow n Rd
Egypt Shaw nee Eg ypt Rd
Cor inth C hurc h Rd
Shawnee
Lee Rd
rg an R dChester Thomas Rd M
Clyo-shawnee R d Green M o rgan School Rd
Ollie Morgan Rd
Clyo Cy lo-shaw nee
S i sters Ferry Rd
Rd
F
St ill wel l air
C
Preister Rd
lyo Rd
Whitaker Rd
Laurel Tree Rd
Spring Rd Exley Rd
son Leefield Rd
County Road 34
Ga Highway 119
urst
Rd
Griffin
Lake Rd Clark
Rd
Lindsay R d
ter Rd
Ol
d
L
ouisv
P lle
Rd
R iverside Dr Newton Rd
Spring field Egypt R d
ranch Rd Old Dix
Tusculum Mt Hope Rd
Keith Rd Gracen Rd
4th Ave
Watts Rd Pound Rd
Arnsdorff Rd Old Tusculam
R
Keiffer dWallace Rd
Hill
Rd
Wild er an
Rd t Acres
R
d
3 rd St
Clyde Rd
Little Mc call Rd
Ral
B e r r y ville
Reis er Rd Indigo Rd Stillwell Rd
Bethany Rd
WilsoBnenRjdamin Gnann R d
Stillwell Long Bridge Rd
Wylly Rd High Bluff Rd
Waldhour Rd
n Rd n
Mill Pond Rd Nellie Rd
Barney Rd Plantation Dr Long
Pond
Rd
Ebenezer Plant McIntosh
!(
!( Georgia-Pacific Complex
Rahn Statio Rd
Hon e
A
y Ridg e R d Heidt Landing Rd
Central Ave
Pineora
!(
Shirley Dr Big TRd
Hardy Rd 7th St
Rincon 9th
4th St St
Fort Ho
war
d
Rd
Us Hwy 17 Sun
y Blvd
State Hwy 336
State Hwy 29
Us Hwy 278 Alt
Hwy 13
S tate
Jasper
State Hwy 141
Us Hwy 278
S tate Hwy 462 Cit
Green St
Brooklet Denmark Rd
Eldora Rd
i
State Hwy 119
U s Hwy 80
State Hwy 46
w Rd
lue Ja y
Marlow
o thouse Rd
Marlow Rd
Sand ill R d
H
!(
Ogeechee River Dr San
ur
C Edg ew o od
Rd
Blue Ja y Rd
Lo G rounHdorsepen Rd
!( Midland
Blandford Rd
Rd
Zittrover Rd
Zipperer Rd
B
Rd
!( Mcca
ll
R Oak
d St Gree Pine Dr
n
e
Dr
Chimmey Rd
Abercorn Rd
Old Augusta Rd
Huger St
Highlaand Dr
Ho
dg
Goshen Rd
evil l e
R
Run
d
irre l
Squ Rd
Earl Lain Rd
State Hwy 170 S tate Hwy 46
South Carolina State Hwy 170 Beaufort
Heidt Rd Nease Rd
Kelle r
d Hill Rd
170 Alt
State Hwy 119 St
Us Hwy 280
ate Hwy 119
Pembroke Bryan
!"`$
State H
Ogeechee River
Bluff Dr
Briarwood Rd g
!(!( ? !( !"e$ Elm St Eden
Conaway Rd Jabez Jones Rd Roebli n Rd
n
Godley Rd
Old River Rd
!( !( Bay Rd
Meldrim
Faulkville
Pecan L
Port Wentworth
Jimmy De Loach Pkwy
Savannah
Airways Ave
Schum an Dr
I Chatham Bloomingdale
State Hwy 25 State Hwy 21
Georgia
State Hwy 170
State Hwy
Van Rd
wy 204
0
2.5
5
Liberty
10 Miles
!(
Fort Argyle Rd
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
John Carter Rd
Pine
Pooler
Barren Rd
Us Hwy 80 Garden City
Fair St
Savannah River LoSutaisteviHllwe yRd25c Bay St
Little Neck Rd
State Hwy 67
Regional Inset
Burke
Allendale
Jenkins
Screven
Hampton
Emanuel
Georgia
South Carolina
!"e$
Colleton Beaufort
Candler Bulloch
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufort Beaufort
!"`$
Evans
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Tattnall
Long Wayne
Bryan
Chatham
!"e$ Liberty
Chatham
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 5.4A
Legend
Roadway Crash Frequency and Fatalities (CARE Data)
!( Fatal Crash
51 or More Crashes 26 to 50 Crashes 11 to 25 Crashes 6 to 10 Crashes 1 to 5 Crashes
Road Network
Interstate State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Effingham County Boundary
Other County Boundary
City Limits
Water
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
Railroads
Source: University Alabama CARE and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
July 2008
Office of Planning
Effingham County Transportation Plan
Road Segment Crash Rates by Functional Classification Vs. Statewide Averages (2004 - 2006)
Screven
Hampton
lyo
C Rd
Us Hwy 601
State Hwy 652
State Hwy 462
State Hwy 462
State Hwy 119
Edw Porter's Landing Rd
Us Hwy 301
Us Hwy 321
op Tr
Old
State Hwy 21
Old River Rd
State Hwy 17
Oliver/kildare Rd
owell Rd
ards Lo
Kildare Pitts R
Betsy Ave
Dixie Hwy N
Nixon Cha Thomps
Clyo-kildare
Old Rd
Augus
Sam Sm
ta Rd
R
eedsv
Us Hwy 278
ille Rd
Springfield Rd on Rd p el Rd d
State Hwy 13
Pryor Rd more Bo
art Rd
Walden Br
State Hwy 67
State Hwy 24
lter Rd ok
Bur k ha
let Leefield Rd Bro
Brooklet
S ti l
son Leefield Rd
IBulloch
390
Road
Rd County
Old
River
Ol
? d Elam Cemetary Rd
Shearwoo d
undarSyaRvdanna
h
Old
Dixie
Cor Hwy
inth
Dew itt Rd
Town Rd
C hurch Rd Old Dixie Hwy
S
Ard
Shawnee
Lee Rd
Shaw nee Egypt Rd
Egypt
rg an R dChester Thomas Rd
Clyo-shawnee Rd Green M organ School R d
Friendship Rd
A Ollie Morgan Rd Cylo-shaw nee Rd
S
i
sters Ferry Rd Preister Rd
St
SistersSFteirlrlywRd F air
ell Clyo R d
Whitaker Rd
Laurel Tree Rd
Rd Dutton Ln
Sister Ferry Rd
o
Spring Rd Exley Rd
Old Dixie Hwy
Ga Highway 119
George H Harr y or
Rd
? urst
Rd
Griffin
Lake Rd Clark
Rd
Lindsay Rd
Boaen Rd
t er Rd
Old
L
ouisv
P lle
Rd
M
Springfield Egypt Rd
ranch Rd Old Dix
Turke y B
ie Hwy S
Tusculum Mt Hope Rd
Springfield Tusclumboundary Li R
Arnsdorff Rd
Keiffer Hill Rd
Early St Mock Rd
Berr yville Reis er Rd Indigo Rd
Stillwell Rd
Bro gdon Rd
EffinghamSpringfield Riverside Dr Newton Rd
Keith Rd Gracen Rd
4th Ave
Rd
Ash St Zettl Mccall Rd
ph Rah
Archer Rd
Guyton ? Watts Rd Pound Rd
Forest Rd
Clyde Rd Little Mccall Rd
er n Rd
Ral n
Bethany Rd
WilsoBnenRjdamin Gnann Rd
Long
Stillwell
Bridge Rd
Wylly
Rd
High
Bluff
Rd
Waldhour Rd
Ebenezer
Mill Pond Rd Nellie Rd
Barney Rd Plantation Dr Long
Pond
Rd
Rahn Statio Rd
Co house Rd
Hone
Central Ave
A
y Ridge Rd
Go-
Heidt Landing Rd
urt
Shirley Dr Big T Rd
Hardy Rd 7th St
Rincon 9th
4th St
St Fort
Howard
Rd
Old Augusta Rd
State Hwy 336
State Hwy 29
Us Hwy 278 Alt
Hwy 13
S tate
Jasper
State Hwy 141
Us Hwy 278
State Hwy 462
Cit
Green St
Us Hwy 17 Su n
y Blvd
Brooklet Denmark Rd
Helmey Dr cart Rd
Eldora Rd
i
State Hwy 119
U s Hwy 80
State Hwy 46
State Average Crash Rate per 100 MVM
Rural Roadway Functional Classification
ate Hwy 119
State Hwy 119 St
Interstate: 67
Principal Arterial: 141
Minor UAs Hrwtye2r80ial: 181 Major Collector: 197
Pembroke
Local: 150
0
2.5
5
Liberty
Bryan
10 Miles
Little Neck Rd
Pineora Marlow Marlow Rd
Sand ill R d
H
Ogeechee River Dr San
Edgewood Rd Blue Jay Rd
Lo GrounHdorsepen Rd
Midland Rd Zittrover Rd
Herbert Ke
er Rd
Blandfosrsdl Rd Zipperer Rd
w Rd
lue Jay
B
Rd
Mcca
ll
R Oak
d St
Greene
Pine Dr
Dr
Chimmey Rd
Abercorn Rd
Old Augusta Rd
Huger St
Highlaand Dr
Ho
dg
Goshen Rd
eville
R
d
Earl Lain Rd
State Hwy 170 State H wy 46
South Carolina State Hwy 170 Beaufort
Keller RSdquirrel Run
Nease Rd
Heidt Rd
d Hill Rd
170 Alt
!"`$
Ogeechee River
Bluff Dr
Elm St
Rive r
S Laurel Rd
Cir
Conaway Rd
Briarwood Rd g
Eden
?Jabez Jones Rd
Roeb li n Rd
Meldrim Rd
Meldrim
Ranch
Oetgen Rd
Godley Rd
Rd
Pecan L
n
Port Wentworth
!"e$ Jimmy De Loach Pkwy
Savannah
Georgia
State Hwy 170
Ol d
State Hwy 25 State Hwy 21
State H
Bay Rd Schuman Dr
I Faulkville
Bloomingdale
Airways Ave
Chatham d
Dean Forest R
Van Rd
wy 204
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
John Carter Rd
Fort Argyle Rd
Pine
Pooler
Barren Rd
Us Hwy 80 Garden City
Fair St
Savannah River LoSutaisteviHllewyRd25c Bay St
State Hwy
Regional Inset
Burke
Allendale
Jenkins
Screven
Hampton
Emanuel
Georgia
South Carolina
!"e$
Colleton Beaufort
Candler Bulloch
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufort Beaufort
!"`$
Evans
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Tattnall
Long Wayne
Bryan
!"e$ Liberty
Chatham Chatham
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 5.4B
Legend
Percent of State Average Crash Rate
Greater than 400% 251 to 400% 151 to 250% 0 to 150%
Road Network
Interstate State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Effingham County Boundary
Other County Boundary
City Limits
Water
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
Railroads Note: Crash rates are only shown for roadways experiencing three or more incidents between 2004-2006.
Source: University Alabama CARE and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
July 2008
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing and Future Conditions Analysis
There were 873 injury crashes (including the aforementioned 21 fatal crashes) in Effingham over the three-year period of 2004 to 2006. According to the time-of-day chart, seen in Figure 5.5, it appears that many of the incidents are associated with evening and morning commute activity, with an additional spike in early afternoon. Cross-tabulating driver age with time-of-day, teenage drivers account for a disproportionate share of crashes occurring between 3-4 pm, though 35-44 year-old drivers also see their highest incident share during this time period. Data seems to indicate that transporting children from school via personal vehicles could result in higher crash exposure and extra attention should be paid to safety mitigation measures in the vicinities of elementary, middle, and high schools.
Number of incidents
100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
12:01 1to:011:02to0:02A1:M03to0:03A1:M40to:004A1:M50to:005A1:M60to:006A1:M07to0:07A1:M08to0:08A19:M:0t0o0119A0t:Mo:000110A1t:Mo10:0101A1:1M0t2o0:01A12M1tNo:o01o1:n20to:002P1:M30to:003P1:M40to:004P1:M05to0:05P1:M06to0:06P1M:70to:007P1:M80to:008P19:M:0t0o0119P0t:Mo0:1001110:P0:tMo0101to1PM:1020MPiMdnight Time of day
Figure 5.5 Vehicular Incidents by Time of Day
Two-thirds of injury crashes occur on roadway segments, whereas the remainder occurs at or near intersections. Some roads experiencing frequent incidents include a seven-mile stretch of SR 21 between the Effingham-Chatham county line to just north of Rincon, SR 119, SR 17 approaching the intersection of US 80, and Old River Road at I-16. Intersections with the highest crash frequency in the county are
SR 21 at Ebenezer Road
SR 17 at Blue Jay Road
SR 21 at Chimney Road
Blue Jay Road at Midland Road, and
SR 17 at US 80
US 80 at Sandhill Road.
July 2008
5-8
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing and Future Conditions Analysis
Each intersection saw 20 to 50 incidents over three years. According to the most recent 2004-2006 crash rate data, Little McCall Road, McCall Road, Fort Howard Road, and Chimney Road have experienced crash rates significantly higher than the statewide average for their functional classification.
Level of Service
Level of Service (LOS) is a measure of how well a facility is performing given its function and use. For roads, LOS is typically a function of the roadway volume-to-capacity (v/c) ratio that provides a quantitative measure of network congestion. The following definitions of LOS are used here:
LOS A C: Conditions where traffic is moving relatively freely, corresponding to v/c 0.7
LOS D: Conditions where vehicle speed and freedom of movement is beginning to decline slightly due to increasing volume, where 0.7 < v/c 0.85
LOS E: Conditions where traffic volume is at or close to capacity, resulting in delays. 0.85 < v/c 1.00
LOS F: Conditions where the demand for space exceeds the capacity of the roadway (v/c > 1.00) and a breakdown in vehicular flow occurs
At the planning level, GDOT strives to provide service at LOS C, though in some cases, LOS D is considered acceptable due to the impacts required to obtain LOS C. Though slightly congested, traffic is still flowing at LOS D. Created using the travel demand model described in Appendix C, Figure 5.6 depicts the expected level of service on existing and committed roads in 2030. "Existing" roads refer to present-day facilities, while "committed" projects are those planned and budgeted in the GDOT 2006 6- year construction work program. Typically, roadway projects are programmed in phases, including preliminary engineering and design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction. "Committed" projects have financial resources allocated to one or more of these phases between 2006 and 2012.
The 2030 E+C network includes scheduled operational, capacity, and maintenance improvements. According to preliminary analysis, most of the county roadways are expected to be operating at acceptable levels of service in 2030. However, several locations are seen to experience unacceptable levels of congestion during peak periods, including US 80, SR 17, Old River Road, and the southern portion of SR 21. This congestion is due primarily to commuter movement into and out of Chatham County. In the case of SR 21, its difficult interchange with I-95 in Chatham is a cause of problems further upstream. In addition to the corridors identified in the year 2030 analysis, observation of current traffic conditions indicates congestion along SR 119 between Springfield and Guyton during school start and finish times. This results in significant queuing and delay for travel along the corridor and turning movements accessing the schools. These conditions are likely to worsen with increasing daily traffic volumes projected along SR 119.
July 2008
5-9
Office of Planning
Effingham County Transportation Plan
2030 Existing Plus Committed Daily Traffic Volume/Capacity (V/C) and Level of Service (LOS)
Us Hwy 301
State Hwy 21
Old Ri ver Rd
State Hwy 17
Kildare Kildare Rd
lyo
Clyo-Kildare Rd
State Hwy 119
C Rd
State Hwy 462
NOTES:
Level of Service congested.
(LOS) SDtatetoHwFy 65a2re
considered
Us Hwy 601
Us Hwy 321
Future roadway network includes Old Augusta Road improvement (programmed in GDOT 2006 6-year construction work program.
Us Hw 2 78
y
State Hwy 462
Old Dixie Hwy SR 21
State Hwy 67
State Hwy 24
Ogeechee River
SR 17
Egypt Church Rd
Savannah Shawnee
Town
Rd
Clyo
State Hwy 336
State Hwy 29
Us Hwy 2 78 Alt
Hwy 13
S tate
Green St
alter Rd
Burkh
Cromley Rd oo
Us Hwy 17
klet Leefield Rd Br
Old River Rd Stil
son Leefield Rd
County Road 34
Old Louisville Rd
Tusculum
Pleasant
Acres
Rd
CR
Springfield
308
Stillwell
SR 275
Ebenezer
Clyde Rd
Brooklet Denmark Rd
Fort Howard SR 21
State Hwy 46
Ga Highway 119 Us Hwy 80
State Hwy 119
Guyton
SR 119
Honey Ridge Pineora
Marlow
Blue Jay Rd
Courthouse Rd
Little McCall McCall Rd
Midland Rd
CR 140
Rincon
Old Augusta
State H wy 141
Us Hwy 278
State
Hwy 4 6
South Carolina State Hwy 170
Sun y Blvd
State Hw y 462 Cit
State Hwy 170
SR 21
Eldora Rd
170 Alt
ate Hwy 119
State Hwy 119 St
Us Hwy 280
0
2.5
5
10 Miles
Eden
SR 30
Monteith Rd State Hwy 30
Fort Argyle Rd 204
State Hwy
Ogeechee River
I-16
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
Meldrim Rd
US 80/SR Meldrim
26
Faulkville
Jimmy
De
Loach Pkwy
Crossroad
Pkwy
r PkwyAirw ays Ave
oole
P
Ramp
St y 17
Ramp
Rogers St
Ramp
I-16/SR 404
John Carter Rd
ate Hw
I-16
I-16/SR
404
Pine
Barren
I-16
Rd
I-95
Dean Forest R
I-95
StaRteoHbweyr2t1Miller Rd
Georgia
State Hwy 170
SR-21
SR 25 State Hwy 25
d Us
Hwy
80KesslerSAvRe
21
Fair St
SpurLouSitsavteillSHeawvRaydnn2a5hcRivBeLar oycSat l
State Hwy
Regional Inset
Burke
Jenkins
Screven
Allendale Hampton
Colleton
Emanuel
!"e$ Beaufort
Candler Bulloch
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufort Beaufort
!"`$
Evans
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Tattnall
Long Wayne
Bryan
Chatham
!"e$ Liberty
Chatham
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 5.6
Legend
2030 Daily V/C Ratios
V/C Ratio: > 1.0 (LOS F)
V/C Ratio: 0.86 - 1.0 (LOS E)
V/C Ratio: 0.71 - 0.85 (LOS D)
V/C Ratio: <= 0.70 (LOS A to C)
Road Network
Interstate (Outside Effingham County) Other State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Effingham County Boundary Other County Boundary City Limits Water Fort Stewart Military Reservation Conservation Areas Railroads
Source: CUTS, and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
July 2008
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing and Future Conditions Analysis
Road Surface and Bridge Conditions
ROAD SURFACE
Slightly less than two-thirds of Effingham County's roads are paved. 128 centerline miles of roads are dirt, while an additional 71 miles are covered in ash. As traffic volume has increased in parts of the county from population growth, ash and dirt roads have become more difficult to maintain. Future development and freight movement will necessitate the paving of ash and more heavily traveled dirt roads, particularly in southern Effingham. Areas of northern Effingham, where connectivity between paved roads is limited, will also need to resurface some roads in order to better accommodate residents and emergency vehicles. Improved pavement conditions will help in terms of safety, as well as continuing maintenance responsibilities. Figure 5.7 displays the surface status of Effingham's roads.
BRIDGES
There are 72 bridges in Effingham, 36 of which are maintained by the county. Keeping bridges in good condition is important for safety as well as to avoid delays created by diversions when bridges are closed or have weight limit postings. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) established the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) to monitor the condition of bridges on public roads. The NBI identifies bridge characteristics including age, sufficiency and composition. The National Bridge Inspection Standards require that all bridges carrying public roads be inspected and evaluated for safety biennially. Additionally, each bridge must be rated for its safe load capacity. If the maximum legal load exceeds the operating load, the bridge must be immediately strengthened, closed, or posted.
The calculated NBI sufficiency rating, on a scale of 0 to 100, is indicative of the fitness of the bridge to remain in service. A rating of 50 or less signifies that a bridge structure is eligible to receive funding for near-term replacement. The general characteristics and sufficiency ratings of county bridges is shown in Table 5.3. Overall, Effingham's 72 bridges have an average sufficiency rating of 87.2. Prioritization of repairs and allocation of moneys (a lump sum is usually set aside for maintenance) is conducted by county officials.
July 2008
5-11
Office of Planning
Effingham County Transportation Plan
Roadway Surface
Screven
Us Hwy 301
Old Ri ver Rd
State Hwy 17
Hampton
lyo
State Hwy 119
E dw Porter's Landing Rd
op Tr
Old
State Hwy 21
Oliver/kildare Rd
owell R d
ards Lo
Kildare Pi tts R
Betsy Ave
Dixie Hwy N
Nixon Cha p Thomps
C
ly
o-kildare
Old Rd
A
ug u s
Sam Sm
ta Rd
R
eedsv i
lle Rd
C Rd
Us Hwy 321
State Hwy 462
Us Hwy 601
Stat e Hwy 652
Springfield Rd on Rd el Rd d
Pryor R d dmore Bo
art Rd
Walden Br
alter Rd oo
Burkh
Br
Brooklet
State Hwy 24
O
ld Elam Cemeta ry R d Shearwood Rd
Dutton Ln
Ar
Shawnee un da rSy aRvdan na h
Old
Dixie
Co rinth Hwy
C
Tow n DRdewSihttawRndee Rd
hur ch Rd Old Dixie
Hwy
S
Lee Rd
Shaw nee Eg y pt Rd
Egypt
o
rg an R dChester Thomas Rd M
Clyo-shawne e Rd Green Mo rgan School R d
Friendship Rd
Ollie Morgan Rd
Clyo Cyl o-shaw nee Rd
S i sters Ferry Rd
F
St
S tillwell air
Cl
Preister Rd
yo Rd
Whitaker Rd
Laurel Tree Rd
Rd
Sister Ferry R d
Spring Rd Exley Rd
Old Dixie Hwy
klet Leefield Rd
Stil
son Leefield Rd
Bulloch
State Hwy 46
Old River Rd
County Road 34 Ga Highway 119
Eldora Rd
i
State Hwy 119
George H Rd
H ar ry or
urst
Griffin
Lake Rd Clark
Rd
Lindsay R d
ter Rd
Old
Lo
uisv
P lle
R
d
Newton Rd Riverside Dr
Us Hwy 80
Sp ringfield Egypt R d
ran ch Rd
Old Dix
Turke y B
ie Hwy S
Tusculum Mt Hope Rd
S pringfield Tusclumboundary Li R
Bo aen Rd
Arnsdorff Rd
Keiffer Hill Rd
Berr yville
Reis e r Rd
Indigo Rd
Mock Rd
Early St
Hart St
Keith Rd
Guyton Gracen Rd
Victory
Dr 4th
Ave
Bro gdo n Rd
Effingham Forest Rd Clyde Rd
Ash St
Rd Z ettl
Mccall Rd
Stillw ell R d
Springfield
er n Rd
Bethany Rd
WilsoBneRnjdamin Gnann Rd
Stillwell Long Bridge Rd
Wylly Rd High Bluff Rd
Ebenezer
Waldhour Rd
Mill Pond Rd Nellie Rd
Old Augusta Rd
ph Rah
Archer Rd
Helmey Dr cart Rd
Watts Rd Pound Rd
Central Ave
Hon e
y R idg e Rd
Go-
Heidt Landing Rd
Pineora Marlow Marlow Rd
San ill R d
d H
Ogeechee RSivtaegr Defrield Rd San
Edgewood Rd Blue Jay Rd
Co ouse Rd
Little Mccall Rd
urth
Shirley Dr B ig T Rd
Ral Anza Ln
w Rd
Lo G rounHdorsepen Rd
B
Midland Rd Zittrover Rd
Herbert Ke
er Rd
Blan
dford Rd ssl
Zipperer Rd
lue Jay
Rahn Statio Rd
n
Plan
Barney Rd tation Dr Long
Pond
Rd
Hardy Rd 7th St
9th
4th St
St Fort Ho
ward
Rd
Rincon
Rd
Mcca
R Oak
d St
Green
Pine Dr
e
Dr
Chimmey Rd
Abercorn Rd
Old Augusta Rd
Huger St
Highlaand Dr
ll
e ville Ho
dg
Goshen Rd
Rd
Earl Lain Rd
State Hwy 336
Jasper
State H wy 141
South Carolina State Hwy 170
Brooklet Denmark Rd
Keller RSdquirrel Run
Nease Rd
Heidt Rd
d Hill Rd
ate Hwy 119
State Hwy 119 St
Us Hwy 280
0
2.5
Liberty
Pembroke Bryan
5
10 Miles
Bluff Dr
Elm St Pine St
R
iv
e r
S Laurel Rd
Cir
Eden
Meldrim Rd
Conaway Rd
Jabez Jones Rd
Roebli n Rd
Meldrim
Ranch
Oetgen Rd
Go Rd
dley
Rd
n
Briarwood Rd g
Pecan L
Port Wentworth
Jimmy De Loach Pkwy
Savannah
Georgia
State Hwy 170
Ol d
State Hwy 25 State Hwy 21
State Hwy
Bay Rd Schum an Dr
Van Rd
204
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
Fort Argyle Rd
P Pkw
Dean Forest R
Faulkville
Bloomingdale
y
ooler Chatham
d
Pooler
John Carter Rd
Pine Barren Rd
Garden City
Us Hwy 80
Fair St
Savannah River LouSitsavteillHewRyd25c Bay St
State Hwy
170 Alt
Us Hwy 17
State
Us Hw 2 78
y
State Hwy 462
Green St
State Hwy 29
Us Hwy 2 78 Alt
Hwy 13
S tate
Us Hwy 278
State Hw y 462
Sun y Blvd
Cit
State Hwy 170
Hwy 4 6 Beaufort
Regional Inset
Burke
Allendale
Jenkins
Screven
Hampton
Emanuel
Georgia
South Carolina
!"e$
Colleton Beaufort
Candler Bulloch
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufort Beaufort
!"`$
Evans
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Tattnall
Long Wayne
Bryan
Chatham
!"e$ Liberty
Chatham
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 5.7
Legend
Roadway Surfaces
Ash Surface Dirt Surface Paved Surface
Road Network
Interstate State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Effingham County Boundary
Other County Boundary
City Limits
Water
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
Conservation Areas (Outside Effingham County)
Source: Effingham County, GDOT, and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
State Hwy 67
July 2008
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County Chapter 5. Existing/Future Conditions and Analysis
Table 5.3 Bridge Conditions
Source: National Bridge Inventory
Facility Carried by Structure
Features Intersected
BUNYAN KESSLER RD LOG LANDING ROAD CLYO-KILDARE ROAD SPRINGFIELD-TUSCLU LITTLE McCALL ROAD LONG BRIDGE ROAD McCALL ROAD SR 21 (NBL) SR 21 (NBL) SR 21 (NBL) SR 21 (SBL) SR 21 (SBL) SR 21 (SBL) SECKINGER FORD RD SR 119 OLD AUGUSTA ROAD OLD LOUISVILLE ROA STANDARD LANE SR 21 SR 119 SR 21 I-95 (NBL) I-95 (SBL) SR 119 MILL POND ROAD OLD DIXIE HIGHWAY PRYOR ROAD RACE PATH ROAD RIVERSIDE DRIVE SHEAROUSE SPUR RD SPRINGFIELD-EYGPT CENTRAL AVENUE EARLY STREET STILLWELL-CLYO RD SR 17 OLD DIXIE HIGHWAY OLD DIXIE HIGHWAY SISTERS FERRY HONEY RIDGE ROAD SR 119 SR 26 - US 80 SR 26 - US 80
DASHER CREEK EBENEEZER CREEK EBENEZER CREEK JACKS BRANCH LITTLE EBENEZER CREEK LOCKNER CREEK LITTLE EBENEZER CREEK LITTLE EBENEZER BRANCH CSX RAILROAD JACKS BRANCH CSX RAILROAD JACKS BRANCH LITTLE EBENEZER BRANCH DASHER CREEK JACKS BRANCH SWEIGOFFER CREEK SHRIMP CREEK JACKS BRANCH COW PEN CREEK OGEECHEE RIVER O/F CSX RAILROAD (635128B) SAVANNAH RIVER SAVANNAH RIVER WHITE DEER BRANCH POLLY CREEK COW PEN CREEK JINK FORD BRANCH LITTLE EBENEZER CREEK SHRIMP CREEK WHITE DEER BRANCH HEIDT BRANCH MILL CREEK JACKS BRANCH GROOVER BRANCH MILL CREEK TURKEY BRANCH TURKEY BRANCH O/F EBENEZER CREEK MILL CREEK DEEP BRANCH LITTLE OGEECHEE CREEK LITTLE OGEECHEE CRK O/F
Location
Sufficiency Rating
Maintenance Responsibility
Functional Class of Route
2 MI E OFRINCON
100.0
2
9
4 MI N OF RINCON
100.0
2
9
13 MI N OF SPRINGFIELD
99.9
2
7
1 MI NW OFSPRINGFIELD
99.9
2
8
5 MI NW OF RINCON
99.6
2
8
3 MI E OF RINCON
99.6
2
7
3 MI S OF SPRINGFIELD
99.6
2
8
3 MI N OF RINCON
99.5
1
6
.75 MI OF SPRINGFIELD
99.5
1
6
1 MI E OF SPRINGFIELD
99.5
1
6
.75 MI S OF SPRINGFIELD
99.5
1
6
1 MI E OF SPRINGFIELD
99.5
1
6
3 MI N OF RINCON
99.4
1
6
1.5 MI E OF RINCON
99.3
2
7
IN SPRINGFIELD CITY LIMIT
99.3
1
9
2 MI SE OF RINCON
99.2
2
7
1.5 MI NW OF GUYTON
98.9
2
8
1 MI W OF SPRINGFIELD
98.9
2
9
14 MI N OF SPRINGFIELD
97.4
1
6
3.5 W OF GUYTON
94.6
1
6
IN RINCON CITY LIMITS
94.0
1
6
4 MI N OF JCT SR 21
93.7
1
1
4 MI N OF JCT SR 21
93.7
1
1
1 MI W OF SPRINGFIELD
93.7
1
6
2.5 MI NE OF RINCON
92.5
2
9
2 MI NE OF SHAWNEE
92.5
2
9
15 MI N OF GUYTON
92.5
2
9
3 MI S OF SPRINGFIELD
92.5
2
9
3 MI E OF GUYTON
92.5
2
9
2 MI W OF SPRINGFIELD
92.5
2
9
6 MI NE OF SPRINGFIELD
92.5
2
9
2 MI S OF GUYTON
92.4
2
9
CTY LMT OF SPRINGFIELD
92.4
2
9
4 MI E OF SPRINGFIELD
92.4
2
7
1 MI S OF GUYTON
91.7
1
7
4 MI N OF SPRINGFIELD
91.6
2
8
4 MI N OF SPRINGFIELD
91.6
2
8
6 MI NE OF SPRINGFIELD
91.5
2
9
4 MI S OF GUYTON
91.4
2
8
2 MI S OF CLYO
91.3
1
6
8 MI S OF GUYTON
90.9
1
6
8.5 S OF GUYTON
90.9
1
6
Year Built
2001 2002 1996 1997 1995 1996 1983 1996 1997 1996 1997 1997 1959 1986 1964 1991 1974 1997 1986 1992 1960 1976 1976 1989 1967 1950 1950 1950 1957 1950 1950 1950 1970 1955 1960 1950 1950 1978 1950 1963 1926 1926
Year Reconstructed
AGE (2008)
Age(2008) inc reconstruction
Average Daily Traffic
Historical significance
Posting Status
STRAHNET Highway
Designation
-
7
7
100
0
A
0
-
6
6
100
0
A
0
-
12
12
600
0
A
0
-
11
11
800
0
A
0
-
13
13
3020
0
A
0
-
12
12
2400
0
A
0
-
25
25
3020
0
A
0
-
12
12
9800
0
A
0
-
11
11
9800
N
A
0
-
12
12
9800
0
A
0
-
11
11
9800
N
A
0
-
11
11
9800
0
A
0
1996
49
12
13900
0
A
0
-
22
22
5000
0
A
0
-
44
44
5300
0
A
0
-
17
17
3020
0
A
0
-
34
34
3020
0
A
0
-
11
11
1050
0
A
0
-
22
22
3300
0
A
0
-
16
16
2800
0
A
0
1989
48
19
13900
N
A
0
-
32
32
48720
1
A
1
-
32
32
48720
1
A
1
-
19
19
5000
0
A
0
-
41
41
100
0
A
0
-
58
58
100
0
A
0
-
58
58
100
0
A
0
-
58
58
90
0
A
0
-
51
51
100
0
A
0
-
58
58
100
0
A
0
-
58
58
100
0
A
0
-
58
58
530
0
A
0
-
38
38
740
0
A
0
-
53
53
1000
0
A
0
-
48
48
5300
0
A
0
-
58
58
3020
0
A
0
-
58
58
3020
0
A
0
2003
30
5
100
0
P
0
-
58
58
1900
0
A
0
-
45
45
2600
0
A
0
-
82
82
8000
0
A
0
-
82
82
8000
0
A
0
July 2008
5-13
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County Chapter 5. Existing/Future Conditions and Analysis
Facility Carried by Structure
Features Intersected
SR 17 SR 26 - US 80 SR 17 SR 26 - US 80 SR 26 - US 80 SR 30 LEWIS RAHN ROAD ARNSDORFF LOOP RD LEXINGTON AVE EXT. MORGAN ROAD OLD AUGUSTA ROAD SR 21 SR 119 SR 26 - US 80 SISTERS FERRY I-16 (WBL) I-16 (EBL) CLYO-SHANNEE ROAD OLD AUGUSTA ROAD SR 21 LONG BRIDGE ROAD CAROLINA AVENUE SR 21 SR 21 STILLWELL ROAD SR 26 - US 80 LOG LANDING ROAD OLD RIVER ROAD CSX RR (620047G)* I-16*
OGEECHEE CREEK MELDRIM BRANCH LITTLE BLOCK CREEK REDDING BRANCH REDDING BRANCH MONTIETH CREEK LITTLE EBENEZER CREEK TURKEY BRANCH TRIB. POLLY CREEK TURKEY BRANCH DEVILS BRANCH TURKEY BRANCH EBENEEZER CREEK STILL BRANCH TURKEY BRANCH OGEECHEE RIVER O/F OGEECHEE RIVER O/F EBENEZER CREEK LOCKNER CREEK POLLY CREEK EBENEZER CREEK DASHER BRANCH DASHER CREEK SWEIGOFFER CREEK EBENEZER CREEK OGEECHEE RIVER O/F EBENEZER CREEK I-16 (SR 404) SR 21 SPUR S-1868 OLD RIVER ROAD
TOTAL
72 Bridges
Table 5.3 Bridge Conditions, Continued
Location
11 MI S OF GUYTON 7.5 MI S OF GUYTON 6 MI N OF GUYTON 8 MI S OF GUYTON 8 MI S OF GUYTON 3 MI NE INT US 80 & SR 17 4 MI N OF RINCON 5 MI N OF SPRINGFIELD 1.5 MI N OF RINCON 7 MI NE OF SPRINGFIELD 12 MI NE OF SPRINGFIELD 4 MI N OF SPRINGFIELD 1 MI NE OF SPRINGFIELD 9 MI S OF GUYTON 4.5 MI N OF SPRINGFIELD 16 MI S OF GUYTON 16 MI S OF GUYTON 8 MI NE OF SPRINGFIELD 6 MI NE OF RINCON IN CITY LIMITS OF RINCON 4 MI E OF SPRINGFIELD CITY LIMIT OF RINCON IN CITY LIMITS OF RINCON 1 MI S OF RINCON SPRINGFIELD CITY LIMITS 9 MI S OF GUYTON 4 MI N OF RINCON 15 MI S OF GUYTON .5 MI N OF SPRINGFIELD 15 MI S OF GUYTON
Average:
Sufficiency Rating
90.6 90.0 89.8 89.5 89.5 89.5 86.4 81.5 81.5 81.4 80.3 80.0 78.0 77.5 76.7 74.7 74.5 72.9 71.4 70.4 68.8 64.3 63.8 62.5 61.3 47.4 47.1 47.1 0.0 0.0
Maintenance Responsibility
1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 2 4 1 1 2 1 2 1 0 0
Functional Class of Route 7 6 7 6 6 7 9 9 9 9 8 6 6 6 9 1 1 8 9 6 7 9 6 6 7 6 9 7 6 1
87.2
Year Built
1960 1926 1951 1926 1926 1955 1996 1955 1950 1950 1978 1986 1963 1944 1993 1966 1966 1975 1974 1931 1968 1960 1931 1960 1959 1944 1978 1966 1936 1966
Year Reconstructed
2005 1998 2004 2004 2003 1998 1989 1990 -
AGE (2008)
48 82 57 82 82 53 12 53 58 58 30 22 45 64 15 42 42 33 34 77 40 48 77 48 49 64 30 42 72 42 41 years
Age(2008) inc reconstruction
48 82 57 82 82 53 12 53 58 58 3 10 45 64 15 4 4 5 34 10 40 48 19 18 49 64 30 42 72 42 36 years
Average Daily Traffic 4100 8000 2100 7300 7300 3400 100 100 100 100 1470 4400 2890 7300 740 22400 25410 3020 740 13900 2800 740 23800 28700 1500 7300 100 3500 1400 22300 6,315
vehicles
Historical significance
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N 0 0 2 Significant
Posting Status
A A A A A A A A A A A A A A P A A A A A A P A A P A P A 0 0 5 Posted
STRAHNET Highway
Designation 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Key: Sufficiency Rating (0-100): Less than 50 signifies potential short-term need for replacement or repairs Maintenance Responsibility: 1 = GDOT, 2 = Effingham County, 4 = Municipality, 0 = not coded Functional Class: 1 = Interstate Highway, 2 = Principal Arterial (rural), 6 = Minor Arterial (rural), 7 = Major Collector (rural), 8 = Minor Collector (rural), 9 = Local Road (rural)
Average Daily Traffic: Average number of vehicles crossing bridge each day Historical Significance: 1 = National Register of Historic Places, 0 = not on NRHP or being considered for it Posting Status: A = Open with no weight restriction, P = Posted for reduced load STRAHNET Designation: 0 = not a STRAHNET highway, 1=on an interstate STRAHNET route * not included in totals or statistical calculations due to incomplete data
July 2008
5-14
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing/Future Conditions and Analysis
Intersections and Operations
Effingham County has 14 signalized intersections, seven of which are located in incorporated areas as seen in Figure 5.8. Numerous other intersections exist, most of which are controlled by an all-way stop sign, while some have two-way stops and/or flashing lights. (The latter accounts for two of the afore- mentioned signalized intersections.) The presence of intersections in a road network impacts mobility, connectivity, and safety. Closely spaced intersections with traffic control devices can significantly slow down vehicle through-movements, though coordination of electronic signals can improve traffic flow. Either effect may be desirable depending on the character of roadway where devices are installed.
A higher number of intersections in a given area leads to improved connectivity and access to destina- tions. This is especially beneficial for users of non-motorized travel modes or public transit, though local businesses also gain from increased vehicular accessibility to their locations. Where speed and hierarchy differentials exist at intersections (such as a local road bisecting an arterial), it is crucial to provide appropriate traffic control devices and geometric design features such as adequate sight distance or turn lane channelization to maintain safety. Redundant warning devices, including rumble strips, signage, and flashing lights may need to be installed at intersections experiencing frequent or severe vehicular crashes.
Because roadway capacity improvements are expensive and federal, state, and local financial resources are limited, it is important to make as efficient use as possible of the existing transportation system before widening or adding roads. Controlling operations through coordinated signal timing or other Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies will increase efficiency. Implementing access management techniques can also improve efficiency by reducing congestion and safety issues.
Access management refers to a number of techniques used to provide or manage access to land development while simultaneous preserving roadway capacity, speed, and safety. It is typically incorporated on roadways accommodating a high volume of through traffic or commercial vehicles. Access management techniques include limiting abutting driveways through zoning (both commercial and residential), installing medians, providing or improving signalized intersections, and generally pursuing roadway enhancements that decrease the number of potential conflict points occurring on travel routes. SR 21, the most heavily traveled surface road in Effingham County, currently employs some access management techniques though application is inconsistent. The prominently featured grassy median helps to enhance the corridor aesthetics in addition to controlling access and turning movements.
July 2008
5-15
Office of Planning
Effingham County Transportation Plan
Us Hwy 321
an Ln ta Rd
Springfield Rd on Rd
Tr
State Hwy 21
Ol
Signalized Intersections
Screven
Us Hwy 301
Old Ri ver Rd
State Hwy 17 State Hwy 24
Ogeechee River
Hampton
lyo
State Hwy 119
owell R d
Kildare
Thomps
Old A ugus Clyo-kildare Rd Corinth Churc h Rd
Pryor R d
d Elam C emetary Rd
undary Rd
dmore Bo
EgAyr pt
Shawnee
Old Dixie Hwy S
Shear w
Lee Rd
Clyo-shawnee Rd
M o rg
St
r s
SCistleyoFerry Rd
F air
Preister Rd
C Rd
State Hwy 462
Us Hwy 601
Stat e Hwy 652
Us Hw 2 78
y
State Hwy 462
Green St
State Hwy 336
State Hwy 29
Us Hwy 2 78 Alt
Hwy 13
S tate
Dutton Ln ood R d
Sister Ferry R d
alter Rd oo
State Hwy 67
Burkh
klet Leefield Rd Br
Brooklet
Old River Rd Stil
son Leefield Rd
County Road 34
Bulloch
Ga Highway 119
Brooklet Denmark Rd
State Hwy 46
ate Hwy 119
State Hwy 119 St
Us Hwy 280
0
2.5
Liberty
Pembroke Bryan
5
10 Miles
Spring Rd
Berr yville
Old Louisvi Rd
lle
or
ter Rd P
TusculumMt Hope Rd
R i ve rside
New to Dr
n
Rd
Keith Rd
Gracen Rd
)*+, Guyton
Beebe Rd gfi
Spr in
Indigo Rd
Effingha m ArnsdorffRd
eld Egyp t Rd
Mock Rd
S tillwell Rd
Springfield
Little Mc ca ll Rd
Benjamin Gn ann Rd
Stillwell Ebenezer
Old Augusta Rd
Mill Pond Rd
N ellie R d
Jasper
Central Ave
Co ouse Rd
o w lue Jay
Us Hwy 80
State Hwy 119
204 Eldora Rd
State Hwy
San ill R d
Mccall Rd
cart Rd
GPo-ineora Marlow
urth
Big T R d
Ground Rd
L
Rd
d H
Edgewood Rd
Blandford Rd
B dg
Ho
e vi ll e
Blue Jay Rd
Zittrover Rd
Nease Rd
Midland Rd
Rd Pecan L
n
Eden
cc
M Rincon all Rd
Port Wentworth
Old Augusta Rd
Ogeechee River
Godley Rd
Meldrim
Faulkville
Bloomingdale
Jimmy De Loach Pkwy
Savannah
y
ooler Chatham
d
State Hwy 25 State Hwy 21
Georgia
State H wy 141
South Carolina State Hwy 170
State Hwy 170
State Hwy
P Pkw
Dean Forest R Fair St
Pooler
Fort Argyle Rd
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
John Carter Rd
Pine Barren Rd
Garden City
Us Hwy 80
LouSitsavteillHewRyd25c Bay St
Rd
170 Alt
Us Hwy 17
State
Us Hwy 278
State Hw y 462
Sun y Blvd
Cit
State Hwy 170
Hwy 4 6 Beaufort
Regional Inset
Burke
Allendale
Jenkins
Screven
Hampton
Emanuel
Georgia
South Carolina
!"e$
Colleton Beaufort
Candler Bulloch
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufort Beaufort
!"`$
Evans
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Tattnall
Long Wayne
Bryan
Chatham
!"e$ Liberty
Chatham
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 5.8
Legend
Signalized Intersection
Signal
4 Way Stop
Road Network
Interstate State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Effingham County Boundary
Other County Boundary City Limits
Water (Outside Effingham County)
Fort Stewart Military Reservation Conservation Areas Railroads
Source: GDOT, and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
July 2008
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing/Future Conditions and Analysis
Parking
The quantity, location, and design of automobile parking facilities affect the character and function of public space. Providing too little parking at businesses or other destinations may cause patrons who drove there to park their vehicles in places not originally intended to accommodate them. Conversely, providing too much parking, particularly if visible from public rights-of-way, degrades the aesthetic quality of the corridor, inhibits pedestrian and bicycle access to destinations, and increases water quality problems due to stormwater runoff from impervious pavement. The costs associated with constructing off-street parking can also pose a barrier to market entry for small businesses wishing to locate in a community if too many spaces are required by local zoning and development codes.
Observations and interviews with local officials indicated no parking shortages anywhere in Effingham County, including the historic centers of Guyton, Rincon, and Springfield. On-street parking is available in cities while off-street parking facilities are seen throughout the county. Newer commercial develop- ments have tended to provide exclusively off-street lots in strip-mall type layouts. In revitalizing historic downtown areas in coming years, it may be necessary to provide parking exemptions or require parking to be located on-street or behind buildings if the community wishes to preserve the existing small-town character of these locations. Directional signage can be installed to direct drivers to parking lots, if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles and Evacuation Routes
Emergency vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks depend on well-maintained and accessible transportation infrastructure to reach those in need in an acceptable amount of time. It is thus important to provide a grid of paved roads throughout the county. Currently, connectivity problems exist in northern Effingham forcing emergency vehicles to navigate circuitous dirt roads and slowing emergency response time, particularly for east-west travel movements. There is a need to pave dirt roads, align intersections, and add new roads in selected locations to benefit public safety. Signal pre- emption for ambulances transporting severely sick or injured patients to Savannah hospitals would also be beneficial; this technology is already implemented in Chatham County.
Natural disasters also put stress on the transportation system. In a coastal region, it is imperative to provide hurricane evacuation routes leading inland to higher ground. Interstates and arterials provide the greatest capacity for vehicles, with I-16, US 80, and SR 21 being designated official Atlantic hurricane evacuation routes through Effingham County. I-16 has the ability to handle accommodate contra-flow traffic, thus doubling its capacity. Effingham should continue to uphold the highest performance standards for these roadways, which accommodate not only Effingham residents, but also numerous people from other southern coastal counties during natural disasters.
July 2008
5-17
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing/Future Conditions and Analysis
Summary of Roadway Needs Based on public and stakeholder input, as well as quantitative safety and travel demand analysis, significant capacity and operational improvements are needed to accommodate 2030 travel demand in the southern part of Effingham County. Additional roadway improvement needs include:
Paving of some ash and dirt roads to decrease maintenance needs associated with higher volumes of traffic and to aid in emergency vehicle travel
Constructing new local roads in places where connectivity is lacking at a variety of scales (intra- county trips to interparcel access)
Addressing roadway and intersection characteristics in places experiencing a high number or relatively severe vehicular crashes
Improving operations through safety and ITS enhancements, particularly on roads experiencing a high commuter and truck volume
Adding capacity to address deficiencies along key corridors and interstate access roads Upgrading bridges as needed according to inspection results Implementing access management on existing or potential arterials while providing alternatives
to their use through adequate supportive infrastructure (i.e. parallel local routes) Reviewing and revising parking regulations, particularly in commercial or mixed-use areas
Freight Movement
Understanding and planning for goods movement has been a part of metropolitan and statewide transportation planning requirements since ISTEA in 1991. Commercial operators within the private sector manage freight movement, which is a complex, multimodal endeavor. The distribution of goods has become a field of its own; called logistics, it is the systematic process of moving a shipment from its origin to its destination. One shipment of consumer goods may move via ship, train, airplane, and/or truck from the manufacturer to the retail outlet. Therefore, not only are the means for transporting goods important (waterways, roadways, air routes, and railways), but so are the connections between the modes, known as the intermodal junctions.
In Georgia, freight is moved primarily by truck (86%) and rail (11%), based on weight. Water and air modes transport an additional three percent of freight tonnage.7 For shorter freight routes (less than 500 miles), trucking tends to be the dominant freight mode for economic reasons. For longer journeys, rail is utilized to a greater extent. The Port of Savannah is the nation's fastest growing container port and is
7 "Statewide Truck-Only Lanes Needs Identification Study", GDOT and HNTB. Data is from 2004.
July 2008
5-18
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing/Future Conditions and Analysis
the fourth busiest in the United States8; much of this freight travels through Effingham County via Interstates and rail. Because I-16 and I-95 have very little mileage within county boundaries, rail freight movement and smaller routes used for local trucking or access to the Interstates are of primary concern in this Multi-Modal Transportation Study. Effingham has no public air or seaports used for freight movement, but the conditions of truck and rail facilities are detailed in the following sections.
Truck
To facilitate traffic flow, improve safety, and offer economic development incentives, governments often regulate truck use of public roadways. It is imperative that industrial sites, which are important to the economic well-being of a community, are served by appropriate roadways designed, constructed, and designated for truck use. Connectivity to interstate highways and other regional arterials is essential to attract and retain industrial users. However, large trucks may hinder the operation and maintenance of local roads built for use by automobiles and light trucks. Heavier vehicles take more time than lighter vehicles to accelerate and decelerate, negatively affecting traffic flow and causing significantly more damage to roadway facilities.
Specific routes for oversized trucks are designated by the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (STAA), a federal highway program administered by GDOT. All interstates are considered freight routes, including I-16 and I-95 in Effingham County. Additionally, United States and Georgia State highways are intended to accommodate large trucks given their generous geometric design standards and purpose of aiding regional mobility. In Effingham, US 80, SR 21, SR 119, SR 17 are de facto truck routes. Figure 5.9 shows truck usage on the entire roadway network. As freight movement via trucks is expected to double in the future, it will become increasingly important to ensure that routes typically used by trucks can safely accommodate them in addition to local traffic.
8 "US Port Rankings Report," Georgia Ports Authority, 6/18/08. http://www.gaports.com
July 2008
5-19
Office of Planning
Effingham County Transportation Plan
Truck Percentage on Roadway System
Screven
Us Hwy 601
Hampton
lyo
C Rd
State Hwy 462
Stat e Hwy 652
Us Hw 2 78
y
State Hwy 462
State Hwy 119
Us Hwy 301
Us Hwy 321
State Hwy 21
Old Dixie Hwy
Old Ri ver Rd
State Hwy 17
Kildare Rd
Kildare
Clyo-Kildare Rd
State Hwy 67
Savannah Town Rd
SR 119 Clyo-Stillwell Rd
State Hwy 24
SR 17
?
Egypt
Church Rd
Shawnee
Sisters Ferry Rd
Clyo
A
State Hwy 336
State Hwy 29
Us Hwy 2 78 Alt
Hwy 13
S tate
Green St
alter Rd oo
Burkh
?
SR 21
Brooklet Denmark Rd
klet Leefield Rd Br
Brooklet
Old River Rd Stil
son Leefield Rd
County Road 34
IBulloch
Ga Highway 119
State Hwy 46
Us Hwy 80
State Hwy 119
Tusculum
Long Bridge Rd
SR 21
Effingham
SR 21
CR
Springfield
308
Stillwell Ebenezer SR 275
Guyton
Old Louisville Rd
ASR 119
Honey Ridge Pineora Marlow Midland Rd
Sandhill Rd
Blue Jay Rd
Courthouse Rd
Clyde Rd
SR 275
Fort Howard
Little McCall Rd
McCall Rd
?
Rincon Stillwell Rd
Blandford Rd
McCall Rd
Rincon
Old Augusta
CR 140
I-95
Kolic Helmey Rd
Us Hwy 17
Jasper
State H wy 141
Us Hwy 278
State Hw y 462
Cit
Sun y Blvd
South Carolina State Hwy 170
State
State Hwy 170
Hwy 4 6 Beaufort
Eldora Rd
170 Alt
ate Hwy 119
State Hwy 119 St
Us Hwy 280
0
2.5
Liberty
Pembroke Bryan
5
10 Miles
Old River Rd Meldrim Rd
P Pkw
Dean Forest R Fair St
!"`$
State Hwy
? Eden
SR 30
Monteith Rd
Port Wentworth
I-16 Ramp
US 80/SR 26
Meldrim
Faulkville
I
Bloomingdale
!"e$ Jimmy De Loach Pkwy
Savannah
y
ooler Chatham
d
State Hwy 25 State Hwy 21
Georgia
State Hwy 170
Fort Argyle Rd 204
Pooler
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
John Carter Rd
Pine Barren Rd
Garden City
Us Hwy 80
LouSitsavteillHewRyd25c Bay St
State Hwy
Regional Inset
Burke
Allendale
Jenkins
Screven
Hampton
Emanuel
Georgia
South Carolina
!"e$
Colleton Beaufort
Candler Bulloch
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufort Beaufort
!"`$
Evans
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Tattnall
Long Wayne
Bryan
Chatham
!"e$ Liberty
Chatham
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 5.9
Legend
Truck Percentage on Roadway System (From 2001 Effingham County Model Network)
> 15 % 10 to 15 % 5 to 10 % Less than 5 % Unknown
Road Network
Interstate State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Effingham County Boundary
Other County Boundary
City Limits
Water (Outside Effingham County)
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
Conservation Areas Railroads
Source: Effingham County, GDOT, and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
July 2008
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing/Future Conditions and Analysis
Rail
During much of Effingham's history, railways fueled its population growth and commerce. Thriving communities were prominently located along several major rail lines (see Figure 5.10), two of which are still in operation today. Norfolk-Southern owns one north-south line in the central portion of the county, connecting Savannah to Springfield and Shawnee before continuing on to Screven County. It is used exclusively for freight movement. CSX owns a rail line on the eastern side of the county, connecting Savannah to Denmark, SC via Rincon and Clyo. This line is used primarily for freight movement, but also accommodates daily Amtrak service. Several spur lines from each set of railroad tracks exist to accommodate local power and manufacturing plants in the county. A small length of spur track in the northern part of the county is owned by GDOT.
Figure 5.10 Past and Current Railroad lines in Effingham
Source: www.garail.com
Because most railroads are privately owned, they have latitude regarding the manner in which they conduct their operations. Thus, the primary role of Effingham County is to ensure safety at crossings and maintain access to future intermodal facility locations. There are currently 82 rail crossings in the county, 48 of which are at-grade crossings on public roads. The others are on private land and/or are grade- separated. All of these railroad crossings have signage or signal warnings, though only two-thirds of the crossings (31) are on paved roads. The number of daily trains at each site varies between 0 and 21, with thirteen crossings experiencing almost one train per hour. Figure 5.11 shows Effingham's rail infrastructure and public grade crossings.
July 2008
5-21
Office of Planning
Effingham County Transportation Plan
Us Hwy 601
Railroad Ownership and Public Grade Crossings
Hampton
lyo
C Rd
State Hwy 462
Stat e Hwy 652
State Hwy 119
Us Hwy 301
Us Hwy 321
Old
State Hwy 21
E dw Porter's Landing Rd
Screven
op Tr
Old Ri ver Rd
Burkh
Brooklet
Cromley Rd oo
alter Rd
Br
State Hwy 17 State Hwy 24
Ogeechee River
Walden Br
O
Dutton Ln
Pryor R d dmore Bo
Oliver/kildare Rd
!? !?
ld Elam Cemeta ry R d Shearwood Rd
ta Rd
Springfield Rd on Rd el Rd d
owell R d
ards Lo
Kildare Pi tts R
Betsy Ave
!? !?!? Dixie Hwy N
Nixon Cha p Thomps
C
ly
o-kildare
Old Rd
A
ug u s
Sam Sm
art Rd
Ar
!? !?!?Shawnee undarSyaRvdannah
Old
Dixie
Co rinth Hwy
C
Tow n DRdewSihttawRndee Rd
hur ch Rd Old Dixie
Hwy
S
Lee Rd
Clyo-shawne e Rd
Shaw nee Eg y pt Rd
Egypt
o
!?!? rgan R dChester Thomas Rd
M
Green Mo rgan School R d
Friendship Rd
R
lle Rd
eedsv i
!?
Ollie Morgan Rd
Clyo Cyl o-shaw nee Rd
!?!?!?!? S isters Ferry Rd
F
St
S tillwell air
Cl
Preister Rd
yo Rd
Whitaker Rd
Rd
Laurel Tree Rd
Sister Ferry R d
Spring Rd Exley Rd
Old Dixie Hwy
klet Leefield Rd
Stil
son Leefield Rd
Bulloch
State Hwy 46
Old River Rd
County Road 34 Ga Highway 119
Eldora Rd
i
State Hwy 119
George H Rd
H ar ry or
urst
Griffin
Lake Rd Clark
Rd
Lindsay R d
ter Rd
Old
Lo
uisv
P lle
R
d
Newton Rd Riverside Dr
Us Hwy 80
Old Augusta Rd
!? !? Sp ringfield Egypt Rd
ran ch Rd
Old Dix
Bo aen Rd
Turke y B
!?!? !? Tusculum Mt Hope Rd
!? S pringfield Tusclumboundary Li R
Arnsdorff Rd
ie Hwy S
Keiffer Hill Rd
Berr yville
Reis e r Rd
Indigo Rd
Mock Rd
Early St
Hart St
!? Stillwell Rd
Waldhour Rd
Ash St
Bro gdo n Rd
Effingham!?!?!?Springfield Keith Rd
Rd Z ettl
Mccall Rd
!? Gracen Rd
Victory
Dr 4th
Ave
ph Rah
Archer Rd
Guyton !? !? !? !? Watts Rd Pound Rd
Rahn Statio Rd
Co ouse Rd
Central Ave
Hon e
!? !? !?!? yR idge Rd
Go-
!?!? Heidt Landing Rd
Forest Rd
Clyde Rd Little Mccall Rd
urth
Shirley Dr B ig T Rd
er n Rd
Ral n
Anza Ln
Bethany Rd
WilsoBneRnjdamin Gnann Rd
Stillwell Long Bridge Rd
Wylly Rd High Bluff Rd
Ebenezer
Mill Pond Rd Nellie Rd
Plan
Barney Rd tation Dr Long
Pond
Rd
Hardy Rd 7th St
9th
4th St
St Fort Ho
ward
Rd
Helmey Dr cart Rd
!? !? Rincon Pineora Marlow Marlow Rd
lue Jay
w Rd
San ill R d
Old Augusta Rd
Huger St
Highlaand Dr
ll
e ville Ho
Herbert Ke
!? d H
!? !? Ogeechee RSivtaegr Defrield Rd
San
Edgewood Rd Blue Jay Rd
er Rd
Lo G rounHdorsepen Rd
Midland Rd Zittrover Rd
Blan
dford Rd ssl
Zipperer Rd
B
Rd
Mcca
R Oak
d St
Green
Pine Dr
e
Dr
Chimmey Rd
Abercorn Rd
dg
Goshen Rd
Rd
Earl Lain Rd
State Hwy 336
Jasper
State H wy 141
South Carolina State Hwy 170
Brooklet Denmark Rd
State Hwy 67
Keller RSdquirrel Run
Nease Rd
Heidt Rd
d Hill Rd
ate Hwy 119
State Hwy 119 St
Us Hwy 280
Pembroke Bryan
0
2.5
5
Liberty
10 Miles
State Hwy
204
Conaway Rd
Elm St Pine St
Eden
Jabez Jones Rd
S Laurel Cir Meldrim Rd
Roebli n
Bluff Dr
Rd
!? !? Ogeechee River
Bay Rd
Meldrim
Ranch
Oetgen Rd
Go Rd
dley
Rd
Faulkville
Schum an Dr
Bloomingdale
ate Hw
St y 17
Van Rd
Fort Argyle Rd
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
John Carter Rd
n
Briarwood Rd g
Pecan L
State Hwy 30
Georgia
Port Wentworth
Jimmy De Loach Pkwy
Savannah
State Hwy 170
State Hwy 25 State Hwy 21
Pkw
y
ooler Chatham
d
P
Dean Forest R
Rogers St
Pooler
Pine Barren Rd
Garden City
Us Hwy 80Kessler Ave
Fair St
LouSitsavteillHewRSydav2a5ncnahBRaivyerSt
State Hwy
170 Alt
Us Hwy 17
State
Us Hw 2 78
y
State Hwy 462
Green St
State Hwy 29
Us Hwy 2 78 Alt
Hwy 13
S tate
Us Hwy 278
State Hw y 462
Sun y Blvd
Cit
State Hwy 170
Hwy 4 6 Beaufort
Regional Inset
Burke
Allendale
Jenkins
Screven
Hampton
Emanuel
Georgia
South Carolina
!"e$
Colleton Beaufort
Candler Bulloch
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufort Beaufort
!"`$
Evans
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Tattnall
Long Wayne
Bryan
Chatham
!"e$ Liberty
Chatham
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 5.11
Legend
Trains per Day at Crossing
!? Greater than 15 Trains
!? 8 to 14 Trains
!? 1 to 7 Trains
Railroad Ownership
CSX-T Railroad Georgia Central Railway Georgia Department of Transportation Norfolk Souothern Chatham Railroad Surrounding County Railroad
Road Network
Interstate State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Effingham County Boundary
Other County Boundary
City Limits
Water
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
Conservation Areas (Outside Effingham County)
Source: Effingham County, GDOT, and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
July 2008
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing/Future Conditions and Analysis
From 2000 to 2007, there were six collisions between trains and motor vehicles at railroad crossings resulting in two injuries. An additional incident that did not involve motor vehicles resulted in a fatality. Three incidents took place at W Johnson Street in Rincon, while single incidents occurred at crossings at W 9th Street in Rincon, Indigo Road north of Stillwell, and Rahn Station Road south of Springfield. Due to safety concerns, it is the general policy of the federal government and major railroad owners to discourage the construction of new at-grade crossings. Existing crossings experiencing train incidents may need additional warning signals or barriers installed. It may also be wise to consider new or alternative roadways to avoid at-grade crossings. At this time, several of these crossings are slated for enhancement in the county's Capital Improvement Program.
Summary of Freight Needs
The Port of Savannah is one of the largest container ports in the United States and handles over 15 million tons of freight each year which is distributed inland mostly via truck and railroad. Logistics sector employment spills over into Effingham, which offers a number of comparative advantages including inexpensive large tracts of land set aside by the Economic Development Authority, access to major state routes, and amenities important to employees and their families such as high-quality schools and housing opportunities.
The Port of Savannah has plans for expansion to accommodate even more container movement and larger vessels. This will certainly impact Effingham as more truck and rail traffic will be distributed through the county. New jobs created by the port expansion will also increase the number of commuters from Effingham to Chatham County. Both impacts necessitate adequate north-south roadway and rail transportation facilities. In addition, the increased commuter volume may generate need for public transportation options to relieve stress on the network.
Designating some roads as official truck routes may help to better contain truck traffic, while installing more warning devices at problematic railroad crossings can increase the safety of car-train interactions. On the land use side, it is imperative that the county provide freight access to the industrial parks it is developing, first to provide stimulus for in-county employment, but second to channel trucks away from roadways that are used by a high volume of local traffic.
July 2008
5-23
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing/Future Conditions and Analysis
Pedestrian and Bicycle
Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure provide a safe environment for making short trips between home, school, work, recreational, and other destinations. Because of the marginal cost involved and the need to provide transportation choice, it is the policy of the USDOT to incorporate bicycle and pedestrian facilities in all new transportation projects unless exceptional circumstances exist9. Further, for roadways that may need to accommodate transit in the future, setting aside right-of-way or space for shelters ahead of time will increase the possibility that transit can be easily implemented, if warranted, with minimized costs. Ensuring that roadways are designed to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit vehicles in addition to automobiles is known as providing "complete streets".
Existing Pedestrian Conditions
GIS data on existing sidewalks in Effingham do not yet exist, but field surveys and interviews with local officials revealed the general locations of sidewalks in Effingham County. They are primarily located in the historic areas of incorporated cities, in some subdivisions, and along portions of roads experiencing relatively recent development activity. Most county roadways completely lack sidewalks, and where sidewalks do exist, they are often narrow and present on just one side of the road. High-speed and high- volume roads are a major barrier to pedestrian activity due to crossing difficulties. Sidewalks are not required by Effingham County regulations, and therefore are not included in many developments.
Summary of Pedestrian Needs
Areas of pedestrian need were identified by creating mile walking distance buffers around community facilities (including schools, parks, libraries, civic buildings, and hospitals) and along various road types according to FHWA guidelines.10 Table 5.4 shows the FHWA sidewalk recommendations as classified by roadway types and adjacent development.
9 Accommodating Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel: A Recommended Approach is a policy statement adopted by the United States Department of Transportation. The Policy Statement was drafted by the U.S. Department of Transportation in response to Section 1202 (b) of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) with the input and assistance of public agencies, professional associations and advocacy groups. (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/design.htm)
10 Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access. Part II of II: Best Practices Design Guide, FHWA (2001)
July 2008
5-24
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing/Future Conditions and Analysis
Table 5.4 FHWA Sidewalk Guidelines
Source: FHWA. Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access, Part II of II: Best Practices Design Guide, 2001
(http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/sidewalk2/sidewalks204.htm)
Roadway Classification and Land Use
Highway (rural)
Highway (rural/suburban - less than 1 d.u./acre)
Suburban Highway (1 to 4 d.u./acre)
Major Arterial (residential) Collector and Minor Arterial (residential) Local Street (Residential - less than 1 d.u./acre)
Local Street (Residential - 1 to 4 d.u./acre)
Local Street (Residential - more 4 d.u./acre) All Streets (commercial areas)
All Streets (industrial areas)
Note: d.u. stands for dwelling unit.
Sidewalk Requirements
Future Phasing
Min. of 60 inch shoulders required.
One side preferred. Min. of 60 inch shoulders required.
Secure/preserve ROW for future sidewalks.
Secure/preserve ROW for future sidewalks.
Both sides preferred. One side Second side required if density
required.
becomes greater than 4 d.u./acre.
Both sides required.
Both sides required.
60 inch
One side preferred. Minimum Secure/preserve ROW for future of 60 inch shoulders required. sidewalks.
Both sides preferred. One side Second side required if density
required.
becomes greater than 4 d.u./acre
Both sides required.
Both sides required. Both sides preferred. One side required.
Based on GIS analysis, Figure 5.12 displays areas and roadways that would benefit most from the addition and/or maintenance of sidewalks. For Effingham County, all roadways in the vicinities of commercial areas are shown as needing sidewalks on both sides of the streets. All arterials and collectors are identified for pedestrian needs with potential improvements ranging from right-of-way preservation to implementing sidewalks. Although FHWA guidelines suggest sidewalks along local roads, many communities prefer to focus their resources on collector and arterial roads first, allowing pedestrians to make use of the street on lower volume residential roads.
If sidewalk improvements are to be prioritized, clusters of mile "need buffers", commercial areas, and the highest functional classes of roadways should obtain sidewalks first. New roadway capacity projects (widened or new roads, including those located in subdivisions) should require sidewalks or otherwise preserve right-of-way. In making pedestrian travel accessible and attractive, installation of sidewalk ramps, marked crosswalks, and possibly pedestrian signals in appropriate places is needed to ensure safety. Sidewalks are an essential part of the public realm and their use links people to community facilities on a scale that promotes social interaction. In addition, studies have documented the health benefits of regular walking for transportation and recreation.
July 2008
5-25
Office of Planning
Effingham County Transportation Plan
t Acres R d Courthouse Rd
State Hwy 119
Pedstrian Needs Analysis
Us Hwy 301
County Road 474
Guyton Inset
Old R iver R d
State Hwy 24
W Central B lvd
Grace n Rd
S
immons St
Hine
s
St
Victory Dr Lin coln
Ave
Alexander St
Davis St Che rry St
Br og d
on Rd
Powell Rd
Cedar Ln
7th Av e
Poplar St
Chu
Cem etary St
6th Av e
rch Pi
St ne
St
3rd St
4th Av e
L it tle M c c all Rd
Poplar St Magnoli a St
r Rd
Statesboro
Burkhalte
Archer Rd
Cen tral Ave
klet Leefield Rd
Broo
Brooklet
St
ilson Leefield Rd
I
Brooklet D enmark Rd
State Hwy 67
Old D ixie Hwy S Early St S Mock Rd
Springfield Inset
Springfield Egypt Rd
K eiffer H ill Rd Garden Ln
State Hwy 46
Old Tusculam Rd
Wallace Rd
Standard Ln Cypress Poin t Rd
Wilder Rd
S hea r o
Fore s t Rd
Pleasa n
use Sp
GNuAmshNSStPtine St
W
1st St 3rd
St
1st Ave
E2n1sdEtSS4ttth St
Hart SStAsh St
Stillwell Rd
tate Hwy 119
S Railroad Ave
Rose Dr
PemZollebr Drr oke Fox St
Ash St
Us Hwy 280
Webb Rd
Mccall Rd
Beebe Rd
County Road 590
Old R iver Rd County Road 390
State Hwy 462
Edw Porter's Landing Rd R State Hwy 119
d Us Hwy 601
Clyo R
Us Hwy 321
State Hwy 21
op Tr
State Hwy 17
owell Rd Morell Rd
ards Lo
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ld Dixie Hwy N
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Old Dixie Hwy
Ga Highway 119
George H Rd
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State Hwy 204
Us Hwy 80
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Marlow Rd
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Bloomingdale
Pooler
Dean F orest Rd
Van Rd
Rogers St
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John Carter Rd
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State Hwy 46
South CarolinaState Hwy 170
State Hwy 170
State Hwy 170
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Figure 5.12
Legend
Pedestrian Needs Analysis
Roads Identified For Pedestrian Improvements (thicker lines are higher roadway functional class) 1/2 Mile Buffer of Community Facilities
Schools (K-12)
Elementary School = Red Middle School = Orange
High School = Yellow
c Library
") Park
") Landing
_
City Hall Police Department
#* Post Office
$+
Community or Senior Center
%, Park & Ride Lot
Commercial Zoning
Future Development Nodes
Signal Type
Signalized Intersection
)*+, 4-Way Stoplight
Road Network
Interstate (Outside Effingham County) Other State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Effingham County Boundary
Other County Boundary
City Limits (Inside Effingham County) City Limits (Outside Effingham County) Water Fort Stewart Military Reservation Conservation Areas Railroads
Source: GDOT, Effingham County, and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
Fort Argyle Rd
July 2008
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing/Future Conditions and Analysis
Existing Conditions for Bicycle Transportation
Over half of all car trips are less than 5 miles in length, and approximately one quarter of car trips are less than 2 miles in length.11 While areas that are more rural may experience somewhat higher average trip lengths, bicycles can provide convenient transportation for destinations 1 to 5 miles away. More experienced riders may be comfortable commuting up to 20 miles provided there are adequate facilities.
According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), there are three types of bicycle facility:
Bicycle Routes, where route is defined as "a system of bikeways designated by the jurisdiction having authority with appropriate directional and informational route markers, with or without specific bicycle route numbers. Bike routes should establish a continuous routing, but may be a combination of any and all types of bikeways"
Bicycle Lanes, where lane is defined as "a portion of a roadway which has been designated by striping, signing, and pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive use of bicyclists"
Shared Use Paths, where shared use path is defined as "a bikeway physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier and either within the highway right-of- way or within an independent right-of-way. Shared use paths may also be used by pedestrians, skaters, wheelchair users, joggers and other non-motorized users"
Any of these facilities may be implemented in Effingham, depending on their predicted users, coordination with automobile traffic, and several other factors. On-road bicycle lanes (both sides) are generally preferred because they allow higher bicycle speeds and cross over the ends of fewer drive- ways. Shared-use paths are useful for children and relaxed recreational riders who are uncomfortable sharing the road with automobiles. Just as for sidewalks, connectivity in the bicycle network is very important. Riders of all abilities should be able to use the network.
There are sizeable portions of three State bicycle routes in Effingham, two existing and one proposed by the Coastal Georgia Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan: Coastal route 95, Savannah River Run route 85, and a proposed route on SR 21 that provides direct access to Savannah and connects existing State Bike Routes. All are on-road facilities demarcated solely by signage. The Coastal route (95) runs from Florida to South Carolina via Camden, Glynn, McIntosh, Liberty, Bryan, Chatham, and Effingham counties. The Savannah River Run (85) connects Savannah to North Carolina along the eastern border of the state. Both of these routes utilize GA 17 and GA 119 in Effingham. The proposed new route begins at Jimmy DeLoach Parkway and SR 21 in Chatham, travels north along SR 21, and terminates in Springfield at
11 National Household Travel Survey (2001), Bureau of Transportaiton Statistics
July 2008
5-27
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing/Future Conditions and Analysis
Coastal route 95. Small lengths of two other State bicycle routes utilize US 80 in the southwest corner of Effingham, connecting Chatham to Bulloch County.
Besides designated State bicycle routes, there are is one other existing bicycle facility in Effingham County. A striped county bike lane runs the length of Ebenezer Road, connects to a boat landing, and circles into Springfield as depicted in Figure 5.13. Built several years ago, the bike lane is poorly maintained. Lastly, a planned shared-use trail and park is located along an abandoned rail bed in the center of Guyton. Funded by a $750,000 Transportation Enhancement grant, it is approximately one mile long, but it could be extended as the rail bed spans the length of the county.
Despite the general lack of formal bicycle facilities in the county, residents still use bicycles for recreation and have, on occasion, suffered injuries in bicycle/car collisions. Between 2000 and 2006, eighteen incidents were recorded, two of which resulted in fatalities. Based on the incident data, approximately half the bicycle victims were under the age of 20, and many accidents occurred in the afternoon and early evening. Additional bicycle facilities could enhance cycling safety while providing for recreational bicyclists, especially children, throughout the county.
Summary of Bicycle Needs
Though the existing and proposed routes connect to each other and provide recreational opportunities for citizens, there is a need to upgrade these facilities and add others so that bicycling is a viable and accessible transportation option in Effingham County. It is recognized by the Coastal Georgia Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan that existing and proposed on-road routes utilizing state routes present some danger to cyclists due to the volume and proximity of high-speed motor vehicle traffic.
Providing dedicated facilities, either marked lanes or off-roadway shared-use paths as described by AASHTO, and better maintaining these facilities would be beneficial to cyclists. New facilities are needed connecting activity centers, especially schools and parks, as well as existing bicycle routes to provide a comprehensive network for current and potential cyclists. Consideration regarding placement of bicycle facilities should take into account the potential level of service, which is based on a variety of factors, including outside lane width, traffic volume, grade, pavement conditions, and truck percentage on shared or adjacent roadways.
July 2008
5-28
Office of Planning
Effingham County Transportation Plan
Us Hwy 301
Existing and Proposed Bicycle Facilities
State Hwy 21
OLD AUGUSTA R
C Rd
Us Hwy 321
Us Hwy 601
State Hwy 462
lyo
Stat e Hwy 652
Us Hw 2 78
y
State Hwy 462
State Hwy 119
D N RINGFIELD RD
S
GA HWY 21
Kildare
P
Old Ri ver Rd
State Hwy 17
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State Hwy 24
GA HWY 17
85
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Hwy 13
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Green St
SISTERS FERRY RD
alter Rd
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Burkh
?
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klet Leefield Rd Br
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son Leefield Rd
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P
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Figure 5.13
Legend
Existing and Proposed Bicycle Facilities
00 Bicycle Route Number
Existing State Bicycle Route
Existing County Bicycle Route
Proposed State Bicycle Route
Road Network
Interstate (Outside Effingham County) Other State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
") Parks
Effingham County Boundary Other County Boundary City Limits Water Fort Stewart Military Reservation Conservation Areas Railroads
Source: GDOT, Effingham County, and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
June 2008
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing/Future Conditions and Analysis
Transit
The purpose of the transportation system is to move people and goods from place to place. If people and goods are spread out among many vehicles, congestion results when there are more vehicles vying for space than there is roadway capacity. In order to increase the efficiency of the transportation system, public transit vehicles can be utilized to simultaneously accommodate the many people who are taking similar routes to common destinations. Public transit can also be used to provide assistance to those who are unable to drive, walk, or bicycle to the destinations they wish to reach. Commuters as well as the one-third of Americans who do not drive for various physical, legal, or financial reasons can benefit from having increased travel choices in the county.
Commuter Routes and Park and Ride Lots
Though approximately half of Effingham's labor force undertakes daily commutes to Chatham County for work, no regional bus routes exist to provide an alternative to commuting in a personal vehicle. As a result, peak period congestion is a common occurrence in the southern portion of the county where the road network is not developed enough to handle demand from so many individual vehicles.
To provide a central meeting place for car/vanpool formation and future commuter bus stops, there are two park-and-ride lots in Effingham. One lot has 20 spaces in downtown Guyton and the other has 53 spaces at the Effingham County Courthouse in Springfield. There are currently no formal programs to increase the knowledge and utilization of these lots. Additionally, there are no formal Park-and-Ride locations in the vicinity of Rincon, where a large percentage of Effingham's population lives.
Paratransit
Paratransit is a flexible alternative to fixed route/schedule traditional transit, and utilizes vehicles such as shuttle buses, vans, and taxis. Paratransit services range from those allowing pick-up/drop-off along a defined route by passenger request to those which offer on-demand door-to-door service within a given geographic area. Both public and private operators may provide paratransit; typical users include elderly and disabled citizens. When traditional transit services are not financially feasible in a place or do not serve desired destinations, paratransit fills an important niche in helping customers maintain their health, independence, and self-sufficiency.
Rural demand-response paratransit providers do have a presence in the county. The Coastal Georgia RDC contracts with the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) for provision of coordinated transportation services. It administers the DHR transportation contract and subcontracts with various providers throughout the region for provision of coordinated transportation services for the Division of Aging Services; the Department of Family and Children Services; the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Addictive Diseases; and the GoodWorks Program.
July 2008
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 5. Existing/Future Conditions and Analysis
Potential for Commuter or Regional Rail Service
The CSX tracks are used primarily for freight movement, but Amtrak also operates daily passenger service on them via its Silver Star route connecting New York to Miami. Though the tracks go through central Rincon, there are currently no stops in Effingham County on this route; the nearest passenger terminal is located in northwest Savannah. The CSX tracks and Amtrak route are part of the National High Speed Rail Corridor connecting Florida to Maine. Regional commuter service to nearby cities could also be implemented along existing rail rights-of-way when demand is sufficiently high to justify capital and operational investments. In the interim, it is the policy of Effingham and its cities to protect these rights-of-way from development.
Present Regional Transit Planning and Programming Efforts
103 counties in Georgia have some form of rural public transportation, including three of the ten counties in the Coastal Region. Each coastal county is currently operating independently of one another. Due to the inherent inefficiencies of this setup, and the fact that there are at least seven underserved counties, the Coastal Georgia RDC is undertaking a regional transit planning and service delivery effort.
Initiated in 2005, the Regional Plan for Rural and Coordinated Public Transportation has just concluded its study to develop a program for seamless regional transit service. Phase I, which explored the need for service based on public input and census data, determined that Effingham had an estimated minimum demand of almost 25,000 annual transit trips.12
Phase II commenced upon receipt of a $75,000 grant from United We Ride, an interagency Federal initiative that supports states and their localities in developing coordinated human service delivery systems. Implementation measures for the 10-county region were developed, including a potential fare schedule, allocation of services, and marketing campaign. The Coastal Georgia RDC is currently pursuing county commitments for the local operating match and plans to begin offering demand-response and vanpool operations in Summer 2008.
Summary of Transit Needs
In addition to providing commuter service to Chatham, a need exists to transport citizens to hospitals, community facilities, and other non-work destinations as indicated by public and stakeholder feedback. In areas with low or geographically dispersed populations, however, a fixed route transit system is often not financially feasible and other alternatives such as taxis, vanpools, and paratransit must fill in the gap. This study supports the ongoing efforts of the Coastal Georgia RDC and Regional Plan for Rural and Coordinated Public Transportation.
12 Regional Plan for Rural and Coordinated Public Transportation. Presentation: Final Report, November 30, 2005. Coastal Georgia RDC.
July 2008
5-31
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
6. Recommended Projects and Policies
A list of recommended projects and policies to be implemented between 2008 and the horizon year of 2030 was developed by building on information gleaned from the processes described in previous chapters. The rationale behind project identification, evaluation, and prioritization by mode is described in the following sections.
Roadway Recommendations
First and foremost, recommended roadway improvements were designed to conform to the stated goals of the transportation element of the Effingham County Comprehensive Plan: providing increased accessibility, mobility, and connectivity. In addition, the Future Development Map character area implementation measures were used to guide the type of improvements recommended in specific geographic areas. Input from stakeholder interviews and the general public was instrumental in the project identification process, as well as technical analyses such as travel demand modeling, vehicle crash location examination, spatial analysis via Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and on-site field surveys (Appendix D).
Several types of roadway projects are proposed: construction of new roads, paving of existing roads, addition of turning or through lanes, shoulder increases, intersection enhancements, and operational improvements. Care was taken to minimize impacts to wetlands and existing structures for major roadway capacity improvements (lane addition or new roads). Potential new roadways were drawn, to the greatest possible extent, along existing corridors used for transportation and crossed through the smallest feasible number of land parcels.
New roadway alignments and paving projects were identified throughout the county to provide a certain level of macro-connectivity in the form of a 1-2 mile resolution grid system, enhancing local, freight, and emergency vehicle movement. Shorter strategic connections were fashioned to provide rear access to properties developed along arterials as well as alternative access routes to some schools and activity centers in more populated areas. Multi-modal accommodations were identified in conjunction with motor vehicle oriented improvements wherever feasible, resulting in a network of future "Complete Streets." Complete Streets are those that allow safe movement and crossing opportunities for all users: automobiles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders.
Along some roadways, the travel demand model and local input indicated a need for increased capacity in the form of new travel lanes or additional turning lanes to improve the facility's level of service. In particular, parts of SR 21, SR 119, US 80, Blue Jay Road, Fort Howard Road, Old River Road, and Sand Hill Road were judged to have insufficient capacity in relation to their importance in the transportation network and current or projected traffic volumes. Figure 6.1 depicts 67 recommended roadway segment projects by type.
Proposed intersection improvements include recommendations to add traffic signals to intersections experiencing relatively high levels of incidents, cross-street traffic, unprotected vehicular turning
July 2008
6-1
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
movements, or pedestrian activity. In other locations, geometric design changes and supplementary warning devices such as rumble strips will increase safety and performance. Along arterials, operational improvements are addressed at both a physical and policy level: interconnected coordinated signal systems, access management strategies, and stricter land development guidelines are proposed. Figure 6.2 depicts 14 intersection improvement projects. All projects are described in detail in Appendix E at the end of this report.
Bicycle Recommendations
In identifying potential bicycle improvements, emphasis was placed on creating a continuous countywide network that served both recreational riders and those wishing to access specific destinations in a safe and timely manner. Special attention was given to developing bicycle facilities that connected residential areas to schools, parks, and activity centers as suggested by the Comprehensive Plan. Dedicated bicycle facilities such as multi-use paths and lanes are recommended especially in the vicinity of high schools and middle schools to provide a safe and viable alternative to long bus rides, parental pick-up/drop-off, or reliance on inexperienced teenage drivers for school-related mobility needs. Near the two county high schools, it is possible to utilize a powerline easement or new woodland path to provide direct non-motorized rear access to school property.
Arterial and collector roads form some of the most direct routes in the county to get from place to place. The five State Bicycle Routes (four existing and one proposed) all make extensive use of the highway network to traverse the county and state. As traffic volume has increased along these high-speed roads, it is less safe for bicyclists to share roadway lanes with motor vehicle traffic. Thus, the majority of the arterial and collector network designated as current or proposed State Bicycle Routes is recommended for upgrade to include dedicated facilities such as bike lanes or multi-use paths. In the less developed northern part of Effingham and along the scenic Old Augusta Road, wide shoulders should suffice for safe long-distance bicycle movement. To supplement a network of dedicated facilities, almost 50 miles of potential signage-only rural routes along low-volume roads are identified as well.
For inexperienced and recreational riders, separated bicycle facilities are likely to get more use than wide shoulders or bicycle lanes. In the western part of the county, an undeveloped abandoned railbed provides an opportune right-of-way for a multi-use path, which will help to preserve it from development. Approximately one mile of this railbed is being converted to a trail and park in downtown Guyton. To increase its feasibility in providing transportation alternatives in addition to recreational opportunities, it is recommended that the southern end of this railroad right-of-way also be converted to a trail that connects Guyton to Meldrim via the communities of Pineora, Marlow, and Eden. Rerouting State Bicycle Routes 85 and 95 to follow this alignment rather than SR 17 should also be considered.
Figure 6.3 depicts 49 recommended bicycle network improvements, including multi-use paths, marked lanes, and widened shoulders, as well as identification of a strategic rural route network. Since recommended projects are classified by facility segment rather than mode, detailed descriptions and justification of bicycle improvements can also be found in the aforementioned Appendix E.
July 2008
6-2
Office of Planning
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
31 22
1
Pryor R d d more Bo
on Rd BRO GDON RD
99 Tr
Proposed Roadway Segment Improvements
Screven
Guyton Inset
D
owell Rd
Kildare
KE ITH R
Springfield Rd
29
Hampton
Clyo-kildare Rd Corinth Ch urch Rd
")
Morg
an Ln
Davis St Cherry St
GA HWY 17
74
CHER RD ArcherRd OLD LOUISVILLE RD
GRACEN RDGracen Rd AR
S
") immons St
Hi nes
St
Victory Dr Li ncol n
Ave
Alexander St
Chur
Cemetary St
6th Ave
7th Ave
4th Ave
Br ogd
Powell Rd
Cedar Ln
GA HWY 119
Poplar St
ch St Pine
Poplar St Magnolia St
St
W Central Blvd
3rd St
Little M ccall Rd
78 94
Central Ave
GA HWY 17
75
71
BIulloch
Old Dixie Hwy S Early St
Springfield Inset
Springfield Egypt Rd
Keiffer Hill Rd
33
Garden Ln
116 108
GA HWY 21
107
Old Tusculam Rd
Wallace Rd
Standard Ln Cypress Point Rd
Wilder Rd
Fore st Rd
use Sp
GA HWY 119
78
73
Shearo
GNuAmshSNStPtine St
1st Ave
") ") ") W
1st
St 3rd
St
E21nsdEtSS4ttth St
Rose Dr
SMRCailCroAadLALveRD
Ash
St S
Hart
St
Ash St
Stillwell Rd
Zoller Dr Fox St
75 t Acres R d
Courthouse Rd
E TT LE
Mccall Rd
Pleasan
Webb Rd Z
Evans Liberty
R RD
Beebe Rd
55
MOCK RD Mock Rd
Bryan
44 3
68 9
?
undary Rd
EgAyr pt
Shawnee
25
Clyo
26
St
Lee Rd
") F air
A 32
Dutton Ln 4
Rd
Sister Ferry Rd
12
5
28
6
?
19
18
Berr yville
Spring Rd 1
14 2
Old Louisvi Rd
lle
P orter Rd
TusculuMmt Hope Rd
13 10
8 Riverside Dr
KeithSRed e Inset
") 78
Guyton
3 9
Arnsdorff Rd See Inset
33 16
")")
r 67
Wilde Rd
")
Springfield
Courthouse Rd
44
73
75
55
Mock Rd
Ind2i4go Rd
Bethany Rd
Stillwell
Stillwell Rd
")
")
Mill Pond Rd
?
Old Augusta Rd
Ebenezer
Sa Hill Rd
A 94
")
74
Watts Rd 71
") GPoi- neora
81
Marlow
cart Rd
B6i3g T Rd69
nd
70
52 66
Mccall Rd
") See Inset
132 130
")
126
123
127 Rincon
M
call Rd
47
")
38
")
c 65
92
80
") Blue Jay Rd
Eden
Zittrover Rd
? ?
39 ZipMpiedrlea6nr2dRRdd
eville Ho
61
dg
Rd
45
133
Georgia
91 84
!"`$
Godley Rd 101
!"e$
Faulkville
88
Meldrim
I
Chatham
Fort Stewart
0
Military Reservation
38 133
130 124
MC
65
Seckinger Ford Rd Kessler Rd
132
GA HWY 21
Rincon Inset
Plantation Dr
HARHaDrdYy RRdD
")
7th St 123
")
4th St
Bunyon 126
Mccall Rd
127
129
CALL RD
47
Oak
St MaEpxl eleDy rL oo
p
ff Cir
42 54
")
Goshen Rd
Caroni Dr
Red Blu Old Augusta South Rd
Jasper
South Carolina
Beaufort
2.5
5
10 Miles
Burke Jenkins
Regional Inset
Screven
Allendale
Hampton
Colleton
Emanuel
!"e$ Beaufort
Candler
Bulloch
!"`$
Evans
Tattnall
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Beaufort
Beaufort
Beaufort
Bryan
Chatham
Appling Wayne
Long
Liberty
!"e$
McIntosh
Chatham
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 6.1
Legend
Roadway Improvement Type
00
Project Number
Extension / New Road (4 Lanes) Extension / New Road (2 Lanes)
Paving Widening Additional Turning Lane With Widening Shoulder Increase Turn Lanes
Road Network
Interstate State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Schools (K-12)
Elementary School = Red Middle School = Orange
High School = Yellow
") Park
") Landing
Effingham County Boundary
Other County Boundary
City Limits
Water
Fort Stewart Military Reservation Conservation Areas Railroads
Source: GDOT and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
July 2008
Office of Planning
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Proposed Intersection Improvements
KE ITH R
Screven
Guyton Inset
D
on Rd BRO G DON RD
Davis St Che rry St
GA HWY 17
GRACEN RD Gracen Rd AR
S
W Central B lvd
Poplar St Magnoli a St
") immons St
Hine
s
St
Victory Dr Lin coln
Ave
Alexander St
Chu
Cem etary St
6th Av e
7th Av e
Poplar St
4th Av e
Br og d
Powell Rd
Cedar Ln
GA HWY 119
rch Pi
St ne
St
3rd St
L it tle M c c all Rd
Dutton Ln
Pryor R d d more Bo
owell R d
Kildare
?
undary Rd
EgAyr pt Shawnee
Hampton
Clyo-kildare Rd Cor inth Ch u rch Rd
Lee Rd
?
")
M o rg
Clyo S2i0s t1e
Ferry Rd
$+ ")
A
Rd r s
Berr yville
S ister Ferry R d
Spring Rd
Cen tral Ave
GA HWY 17
CHER RD Archer Rd OLD LOUISVILLE RD
IBulloch
Old D ixie Hwy S Early St
Springfield Inset
Springfield Egypt Rd
K eiffer H ill Rd
Garden Ln
GA HWY 21
MOCK RD Mock Rd
Old Tusculam Rd
Wallace Rd
Standard Ln Cypress Poin t Rd
Wilder Rd
Fore s t Rd
use Sp
GA HWY 119
S hea r o
SMRCailCroAadLALveRD
GNuAmshNSStPtine St
") ") 215
1st Ave
") $+ W
1st St 3rd
St
E2n1sdEtSS4ttth St
Rose Dr
210
$+
Hart SStAsh St
Ash St
Stillwell Rd
Zoller Dr Fox St
t Acres R d Courthouse Rd
Pleasa n
Evans Liberty
Webb Rd Z
R RD
Beebe Rd
E T T LE
Mccall Rd
Bryan
Sa Hill R d Co o us e Rd J ay R d
r car t Rd
Mock Rd
Old Louisvi Rd
lle
P orter Rd
TusculuMmt Hope Rd
Riverside Dr
KeithSRed e Inset
")
Guyton
Arnsdorff Rd See Inset
$+")")215
Wild e Rd
") Sprin$+g2f10ield
209
$+
Watts Rd
")A
") GPo-ineora
urth
$+
211
Marlow
nd
Blue
cc Mccall Rd
Indigo Rd
Stillwell ")
S tillwell Rd
")
?$+
204
Mill Pond Rd
Old Augusta Rd
Ebenezer
") See Inset 216 ")$+$+ 217
202
$+
Rincon
M
all Rd
206
")$+
")
eville Ho
!"`$
") Blue Jay Rd
Eden
212
$+
?Zittrover Rd
?
dg
ZipMpiedrleanr dRdRd
Rd
203
$+
213
$+
Godley Rd
Faulkville
Georgia
!"e$
Ogeechee River
Meldrim
I
Chatham
Fort Stewart
0
Military Reservation
GA HWY 21
an Ln Springfield Rd Tr
Rincon Inset
Plantation Dr
")
Hardy Rd
4th St 216
$+
7th St
")
217
$+
Bunyon Fort Howard Rd
Sec kinger Ford Rd Ke ssler R d
202
$+
Red Blu Old Augusta South Rd
Mccall Rd
MC CALL RD
Oa
k
St MaEpxleleDy rLoop
ff C ir
") $+206
Goshe n Rd
Caroni Dr
Jasper
South Carolina
Beaufort
2.5
5
10 Miles
Burke Jenkins Emanuel
Regional Inset
Screven
Allendale
Hampton
Colleton
!"e$ Beaufort
Candler
Bulloch
!"`$
Evans
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Tattnall
Bryan
Chatham
Appling Wayne
Long
Liberty
!"e$
McIntosh
Chatham
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 6.2
Legend
Intersection Improvement Type
00
Project Number
$+
Geometry, Road Markings, or Signage
$+ New Signal
$+
Crosswalk Timers
$+
New Signal with Crosswalk Timers
Road Network
Interstate State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Schools (K-12)
Elementary School = Red Middle School = Orange
High School = Yellow
") Parks
") Landings
Effingham County Boundary
Other County Boundary
City Limits
Water
Fort Stewart Military Reservation Conservation Areas Railroads Source: GDOT and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
July 2008
Office of Planning
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Proposed Bicycle ImprovementsStateHwy24
DyalPsorLtearn'sdiLnagndRindg Rd
Us Hwy 301
State Hwy 21
op Tr
506
County Road 474
Guyton Inset
Old Ri ver Rd
State Hwy 17
owell R d
ards Lo
E dw
Oliver/kildare Rd
Kildare Pi tts R
Betsy Ave
Dixie Hwy N
Nixon Cha p Thomps
Old A ugus Clyo-kildare Rd 503
th Church Rd
Sam Sm
o rin
ta Rd
art Rd
33
lle Rd
Clyo R
")
eedsv i
R State Hwy 119 d
Us Hwy 321
134 C a ro
State Hwy 462
Us Hwy 601
Hardy Rd
135
Rincon Inset State Hwy 652
Plantation Dr
Long Pond Rd
Lexington
an
C ir Rahn St
Ave
Richland St
LGoAnAgveS Ex
t
l ey
")
Tyle4rthS
t St
Bun yon
6th St ")8th St 9th St
N
Ave
Boyd St
Fort Howard Rd
P Rincon-stillwell Rd
Us Hwy 278
46 Sec kinger Ford Rd
Kessler R d 51
56
Sta te Hwy 462
Wisenbaker Rd
Pryor R d dmore Bo
Springfiel d R d 502
on Rd el Rd
d
Old
O Walden Br
C
Brooklet Denmark Rd
St
Archer Rd
504
35
Grace n Rd
S
105
") immons St
Hine
s
St
Victory Dr Lin coln
Ave
Alexander St
7th Av e
Davis St Che rry St
Br og d
on Rd
Powell Rd
Cedar Ln
78
4th Av e
Poplar St
Chu
Cem etary St
6th Av e
rch Pi
St ne
St
3rd St
L it tle M c c all Rd
Poplar St Magnoli a St
W Central B lvd
alter Rd
Burkh
Cen tral Ave
94
B ro o
klet Lee field Rd
Brooklet
89
ilson L eefield Rd
I
44
O ld R iver R d County Road 390
? 8G5uyton") ? ")")")SpringfiAeld95") ") ") Ogeechee River
Laurel Tree Rd
ld Elam Cemeta ry R d
Egypt
505 Shearwood Rd
Dutton Ln
Ar
un da rSy aRvdan na h
Old Dixie Hwy Tow n DRdewSihttawRndee
Rd
Shawnee
Old Dixie Hwy S
Lee Rd
Shaw nee Eg y pt Rd
S pr in g fiel
d Egy
pt Rd M
o
rg an
R dChester Thomas Rd 501
500
Clyo-sh awnee Rd Green Mo rgan School R d
Friendship Rd
Ollie Morgan Rd
Clyo Cyl o-shaw nee Rd
S i sters Ferry Rd
F
St
S tillwell air
Cl
Preister Rd
yo Rd
Whitaker Rd
Rd
Sister Ferry R d
Spring Rd Exley Rd
Old Dixie Hwy
Old Louisville Rd
Griffin
Lake Rd Clark
Rd
Lindsay R d
H ar ry
ter Rd P
508 or
Newton Rd Riverside Dr
6
Pom ery Rd
ran ch Rd
Old Dix
Turke y B
ie Hwy S
Tusculum Mt Hope Rd
S pringfield Tusclumboundary Li R
506
Bro gdo n Rd
Keith Rd
Gracen Rd VicStoeryeD4Itrnh Asveet
78
Bo aen Rd
A rn s Old
dorff Rd
Keiffer Hill Rd
See Inset
Early St
Tu
sculam R dWallace
Wild er an
Rd t Acres
Rd
Rd 117
3 rd St
64
P le as
44
76
Clyde Rd
Ash St
S Ash St
Rd Z ettl
Berr yville
Reis e r Rd 24
Indigo Rd
Bethany Rd
Wilson
Rd B
enjamin
G
n
a
nn
Rd
Mock Rd
135
er n Rd
Stillwell
Stillwell Rd
77
Waldhour Rd
Wylly Rd High Bluff Rd
Ebenezer
Mill Pond Rd Nellie Rd
46 131
11
County Road 590
ph Rah
Archer Rd
")A ") Proposed Effingham Parkway ? ") ") Rincon Ga Highway 119
504
Central Ave
Watts Rd Pound Rd
Hon e
94
y R idg e Rd
Go-
Heidt Landing Rd 81
cart Rd
Co ouse Rd
Little Mccall Rd
urth
Shirley Big T R
Dr d
Ral n
Anza Ln
Rahn Statio Rd
Mccall Rd
Plan
SBeaernIneysRedt
tation Dr Long4P0ond
Rd
Hardy Rd 7th St
123
122 4th St 9th StFort Ho
ward
Rd
126
Old Augusta Rd
65
r Red Blu
7th Blandford Rd
St 123
W
9th
St
A
lina
W eisenbake Rd
ve
126
133 124
53 Mccall Rd
127
ff C ir
State Hwy 336
MuWlbGeersretrwyenoWeodaDyDr r
") Oak
St MaEpxl elePDyirnL oeoDpr
48
Gos
WilCloywppergesRsdDr
Lewis Dr
hen Rd
Goshen
Rd
Green St
Caroni Dr
Us 41
Hwy
2
78
Alt
State HCwhimym2e9y Rd
State Hwy 13
Old Augusta South Rd
Golden Rd Magn olia Dr
Us Hwy 17
Sta te Hwy 141
Us Hwy 278
S tate Hwy 4 62
n C
Su ity Blvd
State Hwy 67
Helmey Dr
State Hw y 119
Keller RSdquirrel Run
Nease Rd
91 Heidt Rd
502 Old D ixie Hwy S Early St S Mock Rd
Springfield Inset
Springfield Egypt Rd
K eiffer H ill Rd
33
State Hwy 46
Garden Ln
35 / 40 Us Hwy 80
Eldora Rd
Marlow Marlow Rd
Hill Rd
96
93 Sa 89
nd
85 / Edgewood Rd 95
92
") Ogeechee RSivtaegr Defrield Rd Blue Jay Rd 98
w Rd
Lo G rounHdorsepen Rd
39 B
Zittrover Rd
Herbert Ke
er Rd
Blan
dford Rd ssl
ZippMeriedlraRndd Rd
lue Jay
Ho 507
Rd
65
124 ll
53
127 Mcca
R
") Oak
d St
Green
Pine Dr
e
Dr
") Chimmey Rd
41 Abercorn Rd
133
Old Augusta Rd 56
Huger St
Highlaand Dr
dg
Goshen Rd 48
eville
Rd
Earl Lain Rd
State Hwy 46
South Carolina State Hwy 170
State Hwy 170
45
n Briarwood Rd 90 g
76
t Acres R d Courthouse Rd
State Hwy 119
Mccall Rd
508
Old Tusculam Rd
Wallace Rd
Standard Ln Cypress Poin t Rd
78
Wilder Rd
use Sp
Fore s t Rd
S hea r o Pleasa n
GNuAmshNSStPtine St
") ") 117
1st Ave
") W
1st St 3rd
St
E2n1sdEtSS4ttth St
Hart SStAsh St
tate H wy 1 19 Stillwell Rd
S Railro1a1d5Ave
Rose Dr Pembroke Zoller Dr Fox St
Ash St
Us Hwy 280
135
Webb Rd
State Hwy 204
Beebe Rd
Little Neck Rd
!"`$
102 Elm St Pine St
Eden
Bluff Dr
Ogeechee River
Bay Rd Schum an Dr
S Laurel Cir Meldrim Rd
84
95
Conaway Rd
? Jabez Jones Rd
Roebli n Rd
101
Meldrim
Ranch 100
Oetgen Rd
Go Rd
dley
Rd
Faulkville
I
Pool
Pecan L
Port Wentworth
!"e$ Jimmy De Loach PkwyJimmy De Loach Pk wy
Savannah
er Pkwy Airways Ave
Georgia
State Hwy 170
State Hwy 25 State Hwy 21
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
Van Rd
Fort Argyle Rd
John Carter Rd
Bloomingdale Pooler
35 / 40 / 85 / 95 Pin e Barren R d
Pooler Pkwy
Dean Forest Rd
Garden City0 2.5 Us Hwy 80
Kessler Ave
Fair St
Telfair Rd LouSistavtileleHRwdy 25c
Bay St
5
State Hwy 170 Alt
10 Miles
Burke Jenkins Emanuel
Regional Inset
Screven
Allendale
Hampton
Colleton
!"e$ Beaufort
Candler
Bulloch
!"`$
Evans
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Tattnall
Bryan
Chatham
Appling Wayne
Long
Liberty
!"e$
McIntosh
Chatham
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 6.3
Legend
Existing and Proposed Bicycle and Multi-Use Facilities
00
Project Number
00 Bicycle Route Number
Existing State Bicycle Route
Existing County Bicycle Lanes
Planned Multi-Use Path
Proposed Multi-Use Path
Proposed Bicycle Lanes
Proposed Wide Shoulder Lane
Proposed Rural Route
Road Network
Interstate (Outside Effingham County)
Other State Route / U.S. Highway
Other Roads
Other Layers
Schools (K-12)
Elementary School = Red Middle School = Orange
High School = Yellow
") Parks ") Landings
Effingham County Boundary Other County Boundary City Limits Water Fort Stewart Military Reservation Conservation Areas Railroads
Source: GDOT, Effingham County, and Jacobs Carter Burgess
This map is intended for planning purposes only.
July 2008
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Pedestrian Recommendations
Proposed sidewalk locations were identified based on proximity and connection to activity centers and community facilities such schools, parks, community centers, and hospitals. Consideration of FHWA recommendations concerning the need for sidewalks by type of road also resulted in the identification of projects on stretches of most arterial and collector roads in more populated areas of the county. The goal of providing "Complete Streets," which accommodate multiple modes of transportation, meant that pedestrian facilities were considered in combination with every general roadway project proposed.
Within the city limits of Guyton, Rincon, and Springfield, streets that provided direct connections to parks, schools, commercial areas, or other important transportation facilities were deemed crucial pieces of an integrated pedestrian network. While cities may elect to provide sidewalks on every street within their jurisdiction, projects on identified street segments should be placed at the top of the priority list. Due to a lack of accurate local data on existing sidewalk locations, it is possible that some proposed routes within cities already have sidewalks; thus, the city-based sidewalk recommendations serve as a conceptual guide.
Along some existing or potential transportation corridors, multi-use paths are recommended instead of separate sidewalks and/or bike lanes. In these cases, a need for both pedestrian and bicycle facilities was identified, but certain characteristics of the corridor (high speed, high volume, or utilizing nature paths) necessitated non-roadway solutions for reasons of safety or feasibility.
Figure 6.4 shows the locations of 75 proposed sidewalk and multi-use path projects throughout Effingham County. In addition, a number of intersections are proposed to receive crosswalks and pedestrian signals, as seen in the previous Figure 6.2. The cities of Rincon, Springfield, and Guyton should use these recommendations as a launching point to undertake their own block-by-block pedestrian and bicycle studies within city limits. The County should also undertake a complete sidewalk inventory. Pedestrian facility recommendations are detailed in Appendix E.
July 2008
6-6
Office of Planning
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Proposed Pedestrian Improvements
Hampton
Clyo R
State Hwy 119 d
Us Hwy 301
Screven
e ith Rd
Guyton Inset Develop Local Sidewalk Plan CountyRoad474
K
Old R iver Rd
State Hwy 17
rogdon Rd
Gracen Rd State BHriwttiyng2h4am Rd
W Central Blvd
Poplar St Magnolia St
Gracen Rd
104 immons St
Hi nes
St
Victor y Dr Li ncol n
Ave
Alexander St
Davis St Cherry St
B
Gri ffin R d
Br ogd
on R d
Powell Rd
4th Ave
Cedar Ln
7th Ave
S
105
Poplar St
Chur
Cemetary St
6th Ave
ch St Pine
St
3rd St
4th Ave
Li ttle M cc all Rd
9
78 Little Mccal
44 l Rd
Ogeechee River
Magnolia
Central Ave
Rd Rd
St
Archer Rd
Archer Rd
Old Louisville Rd
Statesboro
Burk ha lter
klet Leefield Rd
Brooklet W a tts
Pou d
S nd R
tilson Leefield Rd
Central Ave 89 Broo
82
Bulloch
Old River Rd County Road 390
Tr State Hwy 21
Oliver/kildare Rd
owell Rd
Kildare
Thomps
on Rd
orin
Old Augus Clyo-kildare Rd
th Church Rd C
ta Rd
Morg
Pryor Rd
34 an Ln
Springfield Rd
15 Old Louisville Rd
Egypt
Shearwood Rd
Dutton Ln
undary Rd
d more Bo
Ar
Shawnee
35
Old 30
Dix
ie
Hwy
S
Springfiel
d Eg
ypt Rd
ter Rd P
Tusculum Mt Hope Rd
or
R
iver
side
Newto Dr
n
Rd
Keith Rd
See Inset
Guyton 104
78
Brogdon Rd 64
Mock Rd
Lee Rd
Clyo
36
uba Rd
C
St
27 F air
Rd
Sister Ferry Rd
B e rr y vi lle
Spring Rd
Arnsdorff Rd Old Tusculam R d 7
Wilde Rd
r
16
119
111 115
118
See Inset
107
Springfield
135
Indigo Rd
Bethany
Rd B enj am in
Gn
ann
Rd
Stillwell
60 50
Ebenezer
43
Mill Pond Rd
N ellie R d
Us Hwy 321
Us Hwy 601
State Hwy 462
r Fort
Rincon-stillwell Rd
Seckinger Ford Rd Kessler Rd
Rincon Inset
State Hwy 462
135
Lexington Ave
Develop Local Sidewalk Plan StateHwy 652 Plantation Dr
Cir
Long Pond Rd
Pan
N Carolina Ave
Long St Hardy Rd GA Ave
Tyle4rthStSt 122
Bun yon
Wisenbaker Rd
128 Richland
Us Hwy 278
7th St Blandford Rd 123
W 9th St
5th St
6th St 8th St
Ave
9th BSotyd St
134
15th St
W eisenbake Rd
Howard Rd 126
Caroni Dr
Green St
133 124
Old Augusta South Rd Hwy 13
Mccall Rd 53
State Hwy 336 59
Oak
St MaEpxlelePDyirnLoeoDpr
Goshen Rd 49
Red Blu
ff Cir WilCloywppergesRsdDr Chimmey R d
Lewis Dr Goshen Rd
State Hwy 29 S tate
Charlton Rd 57
58 Golden Rd Magnolia Dr
65
Jasper
Us Hwy 17
Brooklet Denmark Rd
Mccall Rd 76
106 92
82
County Road 590
State Hwy 67
Old Dixie Hwy S Early St
Springfield Inset
16
Develop Local Sidewalk Plan SpringfieldEgyptRd
Keiffer Hill Rd
Garden Ln
State Hwy 46
Old Tusculam Rd
119
72 107 7
Wallace Rd
118
Standard Ln
Cypress Point Rd
78
121
Wilder Rd
Shearo
use Sp
Fore st Rd
Pleasan
GNuAmshSNStPtine St
116
117
W
1st
St 3rd
St
1st Ave
E21nsdEtSS4ttth St 120
Ash
St S
Hart
St
Stillwell Rd
tate Hwy 119
Ash St 111
S Railro1a1d5Ave
Rose Dr
PemZobllerrDor ke
Fox St
Bryan
Us Hwy 280 135
Webb Rd
S Mock Rd
t Acres R d 110
Courthouse Rd State Hwy 119
Beebe Rd
Mccall Rd
76
Evans
Fort Argyle Rd
Ga Highway 119 State Hwy 204
Us Hwy 80
State Hwy 119
Eldora Rd
Sa
Watts Rd
Heidt Landing Rd
Marlow
79
Pineora
Co ous e Rd
urth Big T Rd
Hill Rd
nd
86
Blue Ja
y Rd 39
44
See Inset
128
122 126
Rincon
123
124
53 M
cc
all R d
59
65
57
133
89
le Rd Hodge
80
Blue Jay Rd
Zittrover Rd 98
ZipMpeidrlearndRdRd
91
102
Eden
83
97
45
vil 49
Georgia
Port Wentworth
84 87 Nease Rd
90 95
State Hwy 25 State Hwy 21
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
101
Meldrim
100
Faulkville
Godley Rd
Savannah Jimmy De
Lo
ach
PkwyJimmy
De
Loach
Pkwy
er Pkw
Chatham y
Bloomingdale
P ool
Pooler
Rd
Rogers St
John Carter Rd
Pine Barren R d
0 Garden City Old Louisville Rd Us Hwy 80
Dean Forest Fair St
Sta te Hwy 141
Us Hwy 278
State Hwy 46
South CarolinaState Hwy 170
Beaufort
State Hwy 170
2.5
5
State Hwy 25c
State Hwy 170 Alt
10 Miles
Burke Jenkins
Regional Inset
Screven
Allendale
Hampton
Colleton
Emanuel
!"e$ Beaufort
Candler
Bulloch
!"`$
Evans
Tattnall
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Beaufort
Beaufort
Beaufort
Bryan
Chatham
Appling Wayne
Long
Liberty
!"e$
McIntosh
Chatham
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 6.4
Legend
Multi-Use Trails and Sidewalks
00
Project Number
Multi-Use Path
Sidewalks (Both Sides)
Sidewalks (One Side)
Pedestrian Needs Analysis
Schools (K-12)
Elementary School = Red Middle School = Orange
High School = Yellow
c Library
") Park
") Landing
City Hall
_
Police Department
#* Post Office
$+ Community or Senior Center %, Park & Ride Lot
Road Network
Interstate (Outside Effingham County) Other State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Effingham County Boundary Other County Boundary City Limits Water Fort Stewart Military Reservation Conservation Areas Railroads
Source: GDOT, Effingham County, and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
July 2008
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Transit Recommendations
The Coastal Georgia RDC has applied for federal funding and, if funding is received, will operate transit on a regional basis based on a feasibility and implementation study performed over the last three years. They are thus responsible for procuring vehicles and defining routes, headways, fares, and other operating characteristics. The recommendations here serve to supplement their analysis in reference to Effingham County, and help County officials and interested parties determine where different types of transit services might be most helpful.
Though there are not enough population or employment concentrations in Effingham County at present to support high-frequency fixed-route local circulator buses, both commuter programs and paratransit services are likely to be feasible. Vanpools and peak-hour express buses could be used to assist commuters in getting back and forth to work. Vanpools must be arranged between groups of employees, whereas express buses or shuttles would serve a more generalized labor force. Both types of transit could utilize park-and-ride lots as common pick-up/drop-off points. There are two existing park- and-ride lots in the county; three more (two in Rincon, one in Eden) are recommended to provide additional support to ridesharing commuters. If fixed-route peak-hour transit were implemented in the future, potential highway-based express routes that stop at park-and-ride lots have been identified.
An arguably more pressing need in Effingham is for demand-response paratransit that provides door-to- door service between residences and destinations such as hospitals, grocery stores, and other community facilities. Although available to anyone, paratransit is typically targeted towards disabled and elderly populations. Hybrid services such as route-based paratransit (demand-response transit within a particular geography or distance from a defined route) are also an option. To assist in defining potential paratransit service areas, a planning exercise was undertaken to identify census blockgroups with higher than average concentrations (compared to other rural Georgia counties) of low-income, elderly, and non-white residents, as these populations display a greater propensity for transit usage. There are also a number of disabled individuals who live throughout the county; in absolute numbers they are likely to be found in areas of concentrated population such as the cities and southern part of the county.
Figure 6.5 depicts the locations of the two current and three proposed park-and-ride lots and three potential commuter routes between Effingham and Chatham County. The previous Figure 4.8 shows blockgroups with above average percentages of likely transit users, which could serve as a launching point to identify likely service areas. Ultimately, citizen requests to the Coastal Georgia RDC as regional paratransit operations get underway will reveal where and what type of demand-response services are most needed.
July 2008
6-8
Office of Planning
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Red Blu Old Augusta South Rd
Proposed Transit Improvements
Hampton
Edw DyalPsorLtaer'nsdiLnagndRindg Rd
Screven
Gracen Rd
Guyton Inset
G
Hu
Cherry St
G
r
acimemnonRsdStVictoHriyneDsrSt
Victory Dr Lincoln
Ave
Alexander St
Davis St
nter St
B r ogd
on Rd
Powell Rd
rif f in
Cedar Ln
Rd
7th Ave 4th Ave
S
4th Ave
Poplar St
Cemetary St
7th Ave 6th Ave
3rd St
Little Mccall Rd Little Mccall Rd
Ogeechee River
Poplar St PopMlaargSntolia St Magnolia St
ChurcWPhinSCetWeSntCtraelnBtlrvadl Blvd
%,
Central Ave
Central Ave
Halfway Rd Pou nd Rd
Bulloch
O Walden Br
ta Rd op Tr
owell Rd
Kildare
ards Lo Betsy Ave
Old Augus Clyo-kildare Rd
Old
Wes Edward Rd Ingram Rd
orin R
lle Rd
Oliver/kildare Rd
Dixie Hwy N
Nixon Cha pThomps
el Rd
on Rd
th Church Rd
Sam Sm
eedsvi
Pryor R d dmore Bo
art Rd
C
Springfiel d R d
Ollie Morgan Rd
Old Louisville Rd
Dutton Ln
Egypt TusculuSmhawnee Springfield StiClllwyoell 302 ld Elam Cemetary Guyton Pineora Shearwood Rd
unda
ry Rd Savanna
h
Tow n
Rd
Ar
Rd
Shawnee Egypt Rd
Sprin gf iel
Griffin
Lake Rd Clark
Rd
Lindsay Rd
d Eg
Lee Rd ypt Rd M rg an R dChester Thomas Rd
o
Mt Hope Rd
Pomery Rd
Old Dixie Hwy
Clyo-shawnee Rd Green Mo rgan School R d ranch Rd Old Dix
ie Hwy S
Sister Ferry Rd
Friendship Rd
Cyl o-shaw nee Rd
Stil
St
S isters Ferry Rd Preister Rd
F air
Rd
Berr yville Reis er Rd Indigo Rd
Turkey B
Bo aen Rd
Harr y or
ter Rd P
Riv er side Dr Newton Rd
Tusculam Rd
Bro gdon Rd
KeithSRed e Inset
Gracen Rd Victory
Dr 4th
Ave
Early St
Arnsdorff Rd
See
Keiffer
Inset
Hill
Rd
Mock Rd
Standard Ln
Old Tusculam R d
P leas
Wilder an
Rd t Acres
Rd
Clyde Rd Little Mccall Rd
Ash St
Hart St
ph Rah
Rd Z e ttl
Stillwell R d
er n Rd
Ral
Archer Rd
Rahn Statio Rd
Hone
Watts Rd Pound Rd y R idge Rd Heidt Landing Rd
Central Ave
Co ouse Rd
urth
BiSghTirlReydDr
n Anza Ln
Spring Rd Exley Rd
lwell
Clyo Rd
Laurel Tree Rd
Whitaker Rd
Bethany Rd
Wilson
Rd Benjam
in
Gn
ann
Rd
Wylly Rd High Bluff Rd
Waldhour Rd
Mil l Pon d Rd Nellie Rd
See Inset
Plan
Barney Rd tation Dr Long
Pond
Rd
Hardy Rd 7th St
9th
4th St St
Fort
Howard
Rd
Ebenezer
Archer Rd Archer Rd
Rincon Inset
Barney Rd
Victory Ln Plantation Dr an
Long Pond Rd
P Rincon-stillwell Rd
Seck inger Ford Rd n Kessler Rd
Cir
Lexington Ave
xley St t
Hardy Rd
LGoAnAgveS E 3rd St
Tyle4rthStSt
6th St 7th S 8th St 9th St
Boyd St
t N Caro lina Ave
7th St Blandford Rd
W 9th St
Weis enbake r Rd
%,
Mccall Rd
303
Oa
k St Maple
Dr
MuWlbGeesrretrweynoWeodaDyrDr
Bunyo Fort Howard Rd
ff Cir Cy p r ess Dr Lewis Dr
Goshen Rd
Wisenbaker Rd
Caroni Dr Chimmey Rd
Gold en Rd
Jasper
ll Mccall Rd
Mclaw s Rd
Old Dixie Hwy S St Early St
Springfield Inset Springfield Egypt Rd
Garden Ln
Old Dixi e Hwy S
Old
Tusculam Rd
Wallace
Dr
Standard Ln
Early
Wallace Rd
GNuAmshSNStPtine St
%, W 1st S t
W
1st
St 3rd
St
1st Ave
S
E21nsdEtSS4ttth St
Cypress Point Rd
Shearo
sant Acres Rd
3rd St
Rose Dr
Rd
Ave
Mccall
Railroad
Hart SStAsh St
Stillwell Rd
Stillwell Rd
Ash St
Ash St
Zoller Dr Fox St
Mock Rd Mock Rd
Bryan
use Sp
Beebe Rd
Zettler Rd
Mccall Rd
Evans Pleasan Liberty
Webb Rd
Golf Ln
n Briarwood Rd g
Bluff Dr
Helmey Dr
Marlow Marlow Rd
Sa Hill Rd
nd Ogeechee River Dr
Edgewood Rd Blue Jay Rd
Heidt Rd
w Rd
Lo GrounHdorsepen Rd
B
Zittrover Rd
Herbert Ke
er Rd
Blandfosrdsl Rd ZippMeriedrlaRndd Rd
Nease Rd
Conaway Rd
Elm St Pine St
Eden 301
Jabez Jones Rd Roeblin R d
Meldrim Rd
Harvey Rd Bay Rd
Meldrim
Ranch
Oetgen Rd
Go dle Rd
y
Rd
Schuman Dr
Faulkville
lue J ay
303
Rd
Rincon Mcca
R Oak
d St
Gr een e
Pine Dr
Dr
Chimmey Rd
Abercorn Rd
Old Augusta Rd
Huger St
Highlaand Dr
evil le Ho
dg
Goshen Rd
Rd
Earl Lain Rd
Pecan L
Keller RSdquirrel Run
Georgia
Chatham
South Carolina
O ld River Rd
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
0
2.5
5
Beaufort
10 Miles
Burke Jenkins
Regional Inset
Screven
Allendale
Hampton
Colleton
Emanuel
!"e$ Beaufort
Candler
Bulloch
!"`$
Evans
Tattnall
Effingham
Jasper
Beaufort Beaufort
Beaufort
Beaufort
Beaufort
Beaufort
Bryan
Chatham
Appling Wayne
Long
Liberty
!"e$
McIntosh
Chatham
Atlantic Ocean
Figure 6.5
Legend
Existing and Proposed Park and Ride Lots and Rapid Transit Lanes
00 Project Number
%, Proposed* %, Existing
Potential Commuter Bus Route
Road Network Interstate State Route / U.S. Highway Other Roads
Other Layers
Other County Boundary City Limits
Fort Stewart Military Reservation
Conservation Areas
River Railroads
*Note: Proposed locations are suggestions only, and require further study to determine final location
Source: GDOT and Jacobs Carter Burgess This map is intended for planning purposes only.
t Acres R d Plea Courthouse Rd
July 2008
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Project Costs
Project costs were estimated using the Atlanta Regional Commission's Transportation Project Costing Tool. Assuming reasonable expenditure for activities such as right-of-way acquisition, grading, paving, drainage, and curb and gutter construction, Table 6.1 shows the per-mile cost of various types of transportation improvements. These unit costs were multiplied by the length of each project, in miles, to provide an estimate of the financial obligation of undertaking particular improvements.
Table 6.1 Assumed Per-mile Cost of Various Types of Transportation Improvements
Improvement Type New Construction
2 lanes, no sidewalk 2 lanes, one sidewalk 2 lanes, wide shoulder, one sidewalk
Roadway Improvement
Paving of two-lane road Center turn lane Divided roadway with occasional left and right turn lanes Occasional right turn lanes Widen shoulders, 16' Bike lane Sidewalk, one side Sidewalks, both sides Widen, 2 new lanes with bike lanes and sidewalk Widen with median and 8' multi-use path on both sides Turn lane with 8' multi-use path on both sides
Intersection
Geometric realignment Turn lanes Signalization ITS coordination of signals 4 crosswalks and 4 pedestrian signals Rumble strips, signage Crosswalks only (each)
Multi-Use Path (Bike/Ped)
8', both sides of roadway 12', with additional ROW 12', without additional ROW
Est. Cost per Mile
$ 2,960,000 $ 3,200,000 $ 3,450,000
$ 610,000 $ 1,960,000 $ 2,400,000 $ 710,000 $ 760,000 $ 1,050,000 $ 435,000 $ 870,000 $ 4,800,000 $ 5,390,000 $ 2,600,000
$ 2,880,000
$ 750,000
$ 120,000
$
50,000
$
25,000
$
20,000
$
500
$ 1,100,000 $ 1,000,000 $ 600,000
July 2008
6-10
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
In sum, 135 roadway segment projects, 14 intersection improvements, and 3 park-and-ride lots were recommended in Effingham County. Most roadway segments had multiple types of proposed improvements, including those supporting automobiles, pedestrians, or bicyclists. Figure 6.6 depicts a cost breakdown by mode. The overall planning-level cost of all proposed projects is approximately $461.7 million in 2008 dollars. Intersection improvements account for $7.2 million of that sum.
Transit is not included in costs since it is being managed by the Coastal Georgia RDC. Because the region has a stronger hand than individual counties in applying for federal funding sources, it is currently pursuing Rural Public Transit (5311), Job Access and Reverse Commute (5316), and New Freedom Initiative Funding (5317). With these grants, Effingham County would be responsible for a 10 percent local farebox match plus 50 percent of the net operating deficit. Preliminary estimates show that it would cost Effingham County approximately $40,000 to begin implementing vanpools and regional paratransit services. The Coastal Georgia RDC plans on subsidizing the capital costs associated with vanpools.
$11,388,017 3%
$173,058,817 37%
$125,146,535 27%
$34,260,551 8%
$22,994,407 5%
$20,465,811 5%
$67,209,966 15%
Car only Car / Bike Bike only Bike / Ped Ped only Car / Bike / Ped Car / Ped
Figure 6.6 Estimated Cost of Roadway Segment Improvements Benefitting Each Mode
(Note: Transit, carpool, and vanpool recommendations are not included in this estimate)
Improvements along a total of 278.5 miles of new or existing transportation corridors are detailed in the project list. Figure 6.7 displays the number of miles associated with various kinds of transportation improvements. Since most projects benefit multiple modes, they are included within multiple columns.
July 2008
6-11
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Fifty-five percent of project miles benefit automobile travel, while seventy-two percent are recommended to include pedestrian or bicycle improvements, typically alongside existing motor vehicle facilities. With the recent, and likely permanent, steep rise in energy costs, it is increasingly important to retrofit roadways to accommodate more energy-efficient forms of transportation than single or multi- occupant personal vehicles. Pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, valuable for non-motorized transport, is also necessary to support successful public and paratransit services.
120
100
80
Mile s
60
40
20
0 Paving
Wi deni ng
New
Si dewa l ks
Cons truc ti on
Improvement Type
Bike Lanes and Routes
Mul ti -Us e Paths
Figure 6.7 Number of Miles of Roadway Recommended for Various Types of Improvements
Project Evaluation and Prioritization
Recommended projects were evaluated according to a number of quantitative and qualitative factors. The evaluation factors are as follows:
Conformance to the goals of the Comprehensive Plan: multimodal accessibility, connectivity, and mobility; support of public transportation; character and aesthetics
Increase in Level of Service based on travel demand modeling results (Appendix C) Potential to reduce number or severity of vehicular incidents Support of economic development and freight movement
July 2008
6-12
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Aid in emergency vehicle response or evacuation (categorized under "Mobility" and "Level of Service")
General importance in transportation network (arterial and collector projects as well as those potentially supporting future transit services)
Benefit to local community via proximity to community facilities
Steering committee and public feedback
Points were systematically assigned to each factor based on professional judgment to assist in determining potential project phasing and prioritization. Table 6.2 shows the list of evaluation factors, how points were assigned to these factors, and eligible project types as necessary.
Prioritization, of the overall project list and by mode (automobile, bicycle, and pedestrian), was based on the sum of numerical scores associated with each factor. While cost was calculated, the project list is not financially constrained. Thus, this study is aspirational and should be used primarily for guidance when creating an official Comprehensive Transportation Plan or when considering implementing transportation improvement projects through 2030.
An overview of all prioritized projects can be seen in Table 6.3. The complete project list is sorted in a descending manner based on the sum of "roadway", "bicycle", "pedestrian", and "general" evaluation factor scores. Because they garner points in the most categories, "Complete Streets" projects with multi-modal improvements tend to have the highest scores. Tables 6.4 through 6.6 display ranked projects by mode, sorted first by the sum of the modal and general score, and then by the overall score. In the event of a tie, projects were then listed according to their identification numbers. Project identification numbers were assigned based solely on their geographic location. The detailed version of the project list and prioritization scores is seen in Appendix E, sorted by project ID.
July 2008
6-13
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.2 Evaluation Factors and Associated Points
Evaluation Factor
Accessibility
Connectivity
Mobility
Level of Service / Congestion
Safety
Economic Development
Supports Public Transit Character - Multi-Use Path Character - Scenic Corridor Local Benefit - Located on arterial or collector Local Benefit - Proximity to Community Facilities
Feedback from Stakeholders or Public
TOTAL
Maximum Points Per Category Roadway Bike Ped. General
5
5
5
0
7.5
5
5
0
4
3
3
0
10
0
0
0
10
5
5
0
6
0
4
0
0
2.5
5
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
2.5
0
0
0
2.5
0
0
0
10
0
0
0
10
42.5
25.5
27
25
Max. Pts Per Project
15 17.5 10 10
20
10 7.5 5 2.5
Notes
The following project types receive points: Roadway (new construction), Bicycle, Pedestrian.
The following project types receive points: Roadway (new construction or paving), Bicycle, Pedestrian.
The following project types receive points: Roadway (new construction, paving, or widening), Bicycle, Pedestrian.
The following project types receive points: Roadway (paving or widening).
Projects located in the vicinity of hotspots (Figures 5.4A & 5.4B) as well as those providing dedicated facilities for bicycles or pedestrians (bike lanes, sidewalks, multi- use paths) receive points.
Roadway (new construction or widening) projects that enhance freight movement as well as pedestrian projects in cities or near commercial areas receive points.
All projects with bicycle and pedestrian components receive points.
Minimal impact multi-use paths receive points.
Projects along designated scenic corridors receive points.
2.5
Projects along high-volume direct routes (arterials and collectors) receive points.
All projects are assumed to provide some
local benefit. Projects within 500 feet of a
10
park, 1/2 mile of an elementary school, or 1
mile of a middle school or high school
receive more points.
Projects specifically requested or supported
10
by stakeholders and the general public during the public involvement process were
given points.
120
-
July 2008
6-14
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Prioritized Project Lists by Mode
Table 6.3 Prioritized List of All Recommended Potential Projects (Overview)
ID
Facility Name
Extents
Roadway Improvement
Bicycle Improvement
Pedestrian Improvement
Score
44
Effingham Parkway, Segment 2
Blue Jay Road to SR 119
New Two-Lane Marked Bicycle Sidewalks on
Road
Lanes
Both Sides
101
133 SR 21, Segment 1
Old Augusta to Ft Howard Road
Widen (4-->6 Lanes)
Multi-Use Path
Multi-Use Path
99
126
Fort Howard Road, Segment 2
SR 21 to Old Augusta Widen (+ turn Marked Bicycle Sidewalks on
Road
lane)
Lanes
Both Sides
99
47
Research Forest E-W connector
McCall Road to Hodgeville Road (in DRI)
New Two-Lane Marked Bicycle Sidewalks on
Road
Lanes
Both Sides
96
78 SR 119, Segment 2
SR 17 to SR 21
Widen (2-->3 Lanes)
Multi-Use Path
Multi-Use Path
92
123 Blue Jay / Blandford Road
SR 21 to McCall Road
Occasional Right Turn Lanes
Multi-Use Path Multi-Use Path
89
45
Effingham Parkway (Chatham)
Chatham County Line to vicinity of Monteith Road (Chatham)
New Four-Lane Marked Bicycle
Road
Lanes
Sidewalks on Both Sides
89
65
Effingham Parkway, Segment 1
County Line to Blue Jay Road
New Four-Lane Marked Bicycle Sidewalks on
Road
Lanes
Both Sides
89
101 US 80, Segment 2
SR 17 to Sandhill Road
Widen (2-->4 Lanes)
Marked Bicycle Sidewalks on
Lanes
Both Sides
87
91
Sand Hill Road, Segment 1
US 80 to Stagefield Road
Widen (+ turn Marked Bicycle Sidewalks on
lane)
Lanes
Both Sides
86
89 Rails-to-Trails
Downtown Guyton to Meldrim @ 2nd Street
None
Multi-Use Path Multi-Use Path
83
92
Sand Hill Road, Segment 2
Stagefield Road to Boggy Road
Widen (+ turn Marked Bicycle Sidewalks on
lane)
Lanes
Both Sides
82
127
Fort Howard Road, Segment 3
SR 21 to McCall Road
New Two-Lane Marked Bicycle
Road
Lanes
Sidewalks on Both Sides
81
84
Meldrim - Jabez Jones Connector
US 80 to Jabez Jones Road
New Two-Lane Marked Bicycle
Road
Lanes
Sidewalks on Both Sides
81
39 Blue Jay Road
McCall Road to SandHill Road
Widen (2-->3 Lanes)
Multi-Use Path
Multi-Use Path
80
134 SR 21, Segment 2
Ft Howard Road to 4th Street (Rincon)
None
Multi-Use Path Multi-Use Path
79
135 SR 21, Segment 3
4th St (Rincon) to Laurel St (Springfield)
None
Marked Bicycle Sidewalks on
Lanes
Both Sides
79
July 2008
6-15
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.3 Prioritized List of All Recommended Potential Projects (Overview), Continued
ID
Facility Name
122
4th Street / Rincon Stillwell Road
124
Carolina Avenuenue (South)
95 SR 17, Segment 1
48 Goshen Road
98 SR 30, Segment 2
76
Multi-Use Path along power line easement
83 Jabez Jones Road
100 US 80, Segment 1
115 S Laurel Street
53 McCall Road
105
Guyton Rails-To-Trails (underway)
117 SR 119, Segment 3
107
119/21 Realignment in Springfield
9
Powell Road Extension
102 US 80, Segment 3
116
Springfield Elementary School Drive Extension
33 SR 119, Segment 4
90
S Effingham High School woodland path
Extents
Roadway Improvement
Bicycle Improvement
Pedestrian Improvement
Score
SR 21 to Bunyan Kessler Road
None
Marked Bicycle Sidewalks on
Lanes
One Side
75
W 17th Street to N Ridge Drive
New Two-Lane Road
Wide Shoulder
Sidewalks on One Side
75
US 80 to Blue Jay Road
None
Marked Bicycle Sidewalks on
Lanes
Both Sides
74
SR 21 to Effingham Parkway
None
Marked Bicycle Sidewalks on
Lanes
Both Sides
72
SR 17 to Nease Road None
Marked Bicycle Sidewalks on
Lanes
Both Sides
70
Courthouse Road to SR 119
None
Multi-Use Path Multi-Use Path
69
SR 17 to SR 30
None
Marked Bicycle Sidewalks on
Lanes
Both Sides
69
SR 17 to Chatham County Line
None
Marked Bicycle Sidewalks on
Lanes
Both Sides
65
SR 21 to SR 119/SR 21 Realign
None
Marked Bicycle Sidewalks on
Lanes
Both Sides
64
SR 21 to Blue Jay Road (Blanford Rd)
None
Wide Shoulder
Sidewalks on Both Sides
64
Downtown Guyton
None
Multi-Use Path Multi-Use Path
63
SR 21 to Laurel St
None
Multi-Use Path Multi-Use Path
61
SR 119 at school driveway to Old Tusculsum Road
4th Avenue to SR 119 (intersect w/ Little McCall Realignment)
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
None None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
61
Sidewalks on One Side
61
Sandhill Road to Bulloch County Line
None
Wide Shoulder
Sidewalks on Both Sides
60
Early Street to Spring ES driveway entrance
New Two-Lane Road
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
60
SR 21 realign (Springfield) to SC State Line
Richmond Drive to back of HS (between baseball and football field)
Shoulder Increase
None
Wide Shoulder None
59
Multi-Use Path Multi-Use Path
59
July 2008
6-16
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.3 Prioritized List of All Recommended Potential Projects (Overview), Continued
ID
Facility Name
Extents
Roadway Improvement
Bicycle Improvement
Pedestrian Improvement
Score
94 SR 119, Segment 1
SR 17 to Bulloch County Line
Shoulder Increase
Wide Shoulder None
57
80 Courthouse Road
SR 17 to Stagecoach Avenue
New Two-Lane Road
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
56
64 Courthouse Road
SR 21 to SR 17
None
Rural Route Signage Only
Sidewalks on Both Sides
52
82 Honey Ridge Road
SR 17 to SR 119
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
52
128 Lexington Avenuenue
9th Street to Madison Oaks Drive (Rincon)
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
52
49
Goshen/Hodgeville/Kolick Helmey Roads
Effingham Parkway to SR 30
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
49
43 Ebenezer Road
118 SR 21, Segment 4
73 Pleasant Acres Road
130
Richland Avenuenue Extension
SR 21 to Waldhour Road (by powerlines)
SR 21@ S Laurel Street to SR 119/SR 21 Realign SR 21 to Little McCall Road (or powerline easement)
10th Street (Rincon) to Fort Howard Road
None
None
None
None
Paving
None
New Two-Lane Road
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
48
Sidewalks on Both Sides
48
None
48
None
48
60
Wylly /High Bluff/ Tommy Long Road
Long Bridge Road to End
None
None
Sidewalks on One Side
47
119 Standard Lane
SR 119 to Old Tusculum Road
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
47
24 Indigo Road 81 Heidt Landing Road 88 Old River Road 16 SR 21, Segment 5 15 SR 17, Segment 4 56 Old Augusta Road
Mock Road to Stillwell-Clyo Road
Paving
Rural Route Signage Only
None
47
Central Avenue to existing rd connecting to SR 119
Paving
Rural Route Signage Only
None
47
US 80 to John Carter Road
Widen (2-->4 Lanes)
None
None
46
Old Tusculum to Springfield-Egypt Road
Old Elam Cemetary Road to 1300 ft S of Egypt Ardmore Road
None None
None None
Sidewalks on One Side
44
Sidewalks on One Side
43
SR 21 to Ft Howard Road
None
Wide Shoulder None
43
87 Nease Road
SR 30 to St. Matthew's Road
None
None
Sidewalks on One Side
43
July 2008
6-17
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.3 Prioritized List of All Recommended Potential Projects (Overview), Continued
ID
Facility Name
3
Effingham Parkway Northeastern
21 Clyo-Kildare Road
27 Marion Avenue
86 Midland Road
131 Rincon Stillwell Road
6
Morgan Road Extension
97 SR 30, Segment 1
57 Stephens Drive
59 Westwood Drive
1
Boaen Road
5
Morgan Road
10 Sawmill Drive
14 Springfield-Egypt Road
Extents
Roadway Improvement
Bicycle Improvement
Pedestrian Improvement
Score
119 to Boaen Road@Sawmill Road
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
43
SR 119 to Marion Avenue
None
None
Sidewalks on One Side
42
SR 119 to ClyoKildare Road
None
None
Sidewalks on One Side
42
SR 30 to Rails-toTrails
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
42
Ft Howard Road to Ebenezer Road
None
Marked Bicycle Lanes
None
42
Springfield-Egypt Road to SR 17
New Two-Lane Rural Route -
Road
Signage Only
None
42
Nease Road to Kolic Helmey Road
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
39
Goshen Road to McCall Road
None
None
Sidewalks on One Side
38
Vale Royal Dr to SR 21
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
38
Springfield-Egypt Road to Sawmill Road
Paving
None
None
38
SR 21 to SpringfieldEgypt Road
Paving
None
None
38
Springfield-Tusculum Road to Boaen Road
Paving
None
None
38
Shawnee-Egypt Road to SR 21
Paving
None
None
38
20 Bark Drive
SR 119 to end
Paving
None
None
38
22 Corinth Church Road
Clyo-Kildare Road to Bird Road
Paving
None
None
38
29 Sam Smart Road
Corinth Church Road to end
Paving
None
None
38
42
Chimney - Busch Connector
Busch Road to SR 21
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
38
70 Low Ground Road
McCall Road to Midland Road
Paving
None
None
38
74 Pound Road / Floyd Road
Entire length of both roads (to SR 17)
Paving
None
None
38
July 2008
6-18
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.3 Prioritized List of All Recommended Potential Projects (Overview), Continued
ID
Facility Name
96 SR 17, Segment 2
46
Fort Howard Road, Segment 1
103 Anderson Street
104 Gracen Road
106 Magnolia Street
111
Ash Street / Ash Street Extension
112 E Madison Street
121 W 1st Street Extension
125 E 9th Street (Rincon)
108
119/21 Realignment in Springfield
34 SR 119, Segment 5
35 SR 21, Segment 6
79 SR 17, Segment 3
7
Old Tusculum Road, Segment 2
11 Long Bridge Road
50 Long Bridge Road
51 Long Pond Road
58 Vale Royal Drive
72
Old Tusculum Road, Segment 1
Extents
Roadway Improvement
Bicycle Improvement
Pedestrian Improvement
Score
Blue Jay Road to Midland Road
None
Marked Bicycle Lanes
None
37
Old Augusta Road to Rincon-Stillwell Road
None
Wide Shoulder None
37
SR 17 to Magnolia Street
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
37
SR 119 to Summer Place
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
37
SR 119 to Anderson Street
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
37
S Laurel Street to Early Street
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
37
Laurel Street to N Ash Street
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
37
SR 21 to SR 119
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
37
SR 21 to Lexington Avenue
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
37
Laurel Street to Old Dixie Highway
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
34
Marion Avenue to Clyo-Kildare Road
Shawnee Egypt Road to 500 ft N of Shawnee Road
Midland Road to Pound Road
None None None
None None None
Sidewalks on One Side
33
Sidewalks on One Side
33
Sidewalks on One Side
33
SR 21 to Standard Lane
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
33
Ebenezer Road to Wylly Road
Ebenezer Road to 4000 ft N of Wylly Road
Ft Howard Road to Rincon Stillwell Road
None None None
Marked Bicycle Lanes
None
33
None
Sidewalks on One Side
33
Wide Shoulder None
33
McCall Road to Westwood Drive
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
33
SR 21 to SR 119 realign (GDOT)
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
33
July 2008
6-19
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.3 Prioritized List of All Recommended Potential Projects (Overview), Continued
ID
Facility Name
67
HS Access (to Deerfield Road)
75
Pound Road - Pleasant Acres Connector
129 North Ridge Road
132
Smith Avenuenue Extension
Extents
Pleasant Acre Road (straightened) to SR 119 between HS and MS End of Pound Road to Pleasant Acres Road in vicinity of powerline easement end of current road to Carolina Avenue extension parallel to RR Tracks (Rincon)
Smith Avenue to E 4th Street (Rincon)
Roadway Improvement
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
Bicycle Improvement None
None
None None
Pedestrian Improvement None
None
None None
Score 33 33 33 33
17 4th Street
Marion Avenue to Stillwell-Clyo Road
None
None
Sidewalks on One Side
32
23 Fair Street
Clyo-Stillwell Road to community center
None
None
Sidewalks on One Side
32
30
Shawnee Road, Segment 1
SR 21 to Old Dixie Highway
None
None
Sidewalks on One Side
32
36 Stillwell-Clyo Road
4th Street to Fair Street
None
None
Sidewalks on One Side
32
109 2nd Street
Ash Street to RR Avenue
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
32
110 3rd Street 113 Early Street 114 Railroad Avenue
SR 21 to S Laurel Street
Laurel Street to "Springfield ES Drive Ext" between Ash Street and Lake Dr
W 2nd Street to W 3rd Street
None None None
None None None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
32
Sidewalks on Both Sides
32
Sidewalks on One Side
32
120 Stillwell Road
Laurel Street to Ash Street
None
None
Sidewalks on Both Sides
32
40 Bunyan Kessler Road
Rincon-Stillwell Road to Fort Howard Road
None
Wide Shoulder None
31
41 Chimney Road
SR 21 to Old Augusta Road
None
Wide Shoulder None
31
77 Rahn Station Road
SR 21 to McCall Road at Effingham Parkway
None
Wide Shoulder None
31
85 Meldrim Road
Central Avenue (Meldrim) to US 80
None
Wide Shoulder None
31
July 2008
6-20
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.3 Prioritized List of All Recommended Potential Projects (Overview), Continued
ID
Facility Name
Extents
Roadway Improvement
Bicycle Improvement
Pedestrian Improvement
Score
2
Boaen Road Extension
Springfield-Egypt Road to SR 21
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
28
4
Griffin Lake Road Extension
SR 17 to SpringfieldEgypt Road
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
28
8
Porter Road
Old Louisville Road to Riverside Drive
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
28
12 Shearwood Road
Old Louisville Road to Ogeechee River
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
28
13
Springfield-Tusculum Road
SR 17 to Brogdon Road
Paving
None
None
28
18
Angus Exley Road Extension
End of Angus Exley Road to Bark Dr
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
28
19 Angus Exley Road
Sister's Ferry Rd to End
Paving
None
None
28
25
Josiah Morgan - Sam Smart Connector
Connect Josiah Morgan Road to Sam Smart Road (at ends)
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
28
Clyo-Shawnee Road
26 Josiah Morgan Road
to JM/SS Connector
Paving
None
None
28
(new)
28
Lorenzo Hurst / Elbert Arnsdorff
SR 21 to Old Dixie Highway
Paving
None
None
28
31
Shawnee Road, Segment 2
Old Dixie to Corinth Church Road
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
28
32 Sisters Ferry Road
SR 119 to Green Morgan School Road
Paving
None
None
28
38
Azalea - Commercial Connector
end of Azalea Avenue to Goshen Commercial Park Dr
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
28
end of Hodgeville
52
Low Ground - Blue Jay Connector
Road (realign to be perpendicular to Blue Jay) to just E of
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
28
Sagepoint Road
54 McCall Road Extension
SR 21 to AzaleaCommercial Connector (New)
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
28
55 Mock Road Extension
SR 21 to Stillwell Road (Springfield)
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
28
61
Zipperer - Hodgeville Connector
Zipperer Paddock (end) to Hodgeville Road
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
28
62 Zipperer Road
Midland Road to end Paving
None
None
28
July 2008
6-21
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.3 Prioritized List of All Recommended Potential Projects (Overview), Continued
ID
Facility Name
Extents
Roadway Improvement
Bicycle Improvement
Pedestrian Improvement
Score
63 Big T Road
Courthouse Road to Shirley Road
Paving
None
None
28
66
Existing private road Off Low Ground Road
Low Ground Road to LowGround-Shirley Connector (new)
Paving
None
None
28
68
Little McCall Road north terminus realign
north end of road to SR 119
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
28
69
Low Ground - Shirley Connector
Shirley Road to end of #66
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
28
71
Magnolia - Big T Connector
Magnolia Street Ext to Courthouse Road (E of Indica Pl)
New Two-Lane Road
None
None
28
Unknown road between
99 Honey Ridge Road and
Entire length
Paving
None
None
28
Ogeechee River on 119
93
Sand Hill Road, Segment 3
Boggy Road to railbed
None
Wide Shoulder None
24
37
4th Street / RinconStillwell Road
Bunyan Kessler Road to Long Pond Road
None
Wide Shoulder None
23
July 2008
6-22
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.4 Ranked List of Recommended Potential Roadway Projects
Note: Does not include recommended paving projects
Rank
Map ID
1
44
2
47
3
130
4
126
5
133
6
88
7
78
8
33
9
3
Facility Name
Extents
Effingham Parkway, Blue Jay Road to SR
Segment 2
119
Research Forest EW connector
Richland Avenuenue Extension
McCall Road to Hodgeville Road (in DRI)
10th Street (Rincon) to Fort Howard Road
Fort Howard Road, Segment 2
SR 21 to Old Augusta Road
SR 21, Segment 1
Old Augusta to Ft Howard Road
Old River Road
US 80 to John Carter Road
SR 119, Segment 2 SR 17 to SR 21
SR 119, Segment 4
SR 21 realign (Springfield) to SC State Line
Effingham Parkway 119 to Boaen
- Northeastern
Road@Sawmill Road
Details / Justification
Building a primary N-S roadway in the south central part of Effingham County would support high-impact economic development opportunities, serve as a truck bypass (to SR 21), and greatly increase regional connectivity. Effingham Parkway is listed in both the STIP and Capital Improvement Plan.
If Research Forest Industrial Park is developed, E-W connectivity between McCall Road and SR 21 (and optimally Hodgeville Road) is needed. Coordinate planning and construction of this road with the Research Forest Site Plan and eventually Effingham Pkwy. Construct as "Complete Street" with pedestrian and bike facilities.
Roadway Improvement
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
Parallel/Rear access to development along SR 21 from residential Rincon. Requested by Rincon city planner. Increases connectivity, mobility, and access.
New Two-Lane Road
Roadway operations and access to residential development would be improved with turn lanes. This road is the primary means of access to Rincon and SR 21 for many residents, and dedicated pedestrian and bicycle facilities are recommended to give all residents transportation choice. Fort Howard Road is also a key segment of an integrated bicycle network to the east of Rincon
Widening to 6 lanes (from I-95 through the City of Rincon) is justified by this study's travel demand model to provide adequate automobile capacity for Level of Service C or above in 2030, based on current travel behavior. However, any widening of SR 21 within Rincon city limits would negatively impact the existing urban character and future corridor revitalization efforts. Thus, Fort Howard Road is recommended as the northernmost potential terminus of this roadway widening project. Based on the preliminary environmental review, there are also a number of properties and structures along SR 21 between Goshen Road and Fort Howard Road in unincorporated Effingham that would be potentially impacted by a roadway widening. First implementing appropriate ITS and operational improvements (access management, channelized right turn lanes) on SR 21 in Chatham County could delay the need for widening of SR 21 north of the Effingham/Chatham County Line or Goshen Road. Regardless of improvements implemented for automobile movement, safe pedestrian and bicycle access is necessary along this corridor. Due to high adjacent traffic volume and speeds, a multi-use path on each side of SR-21 is recommended to separate walkers and bicyclists from cars.
Operational improvements and widening are needed along Old River Road, which connects to the only Interstate exit in Effingham County. Directional signage pointing from US 80 to Old River Road is also necessary.
A center turning lane along with right turn bays along this length of road as well as bike/pedestrian accommodation (multi-use path) is recommended to improve traffic operations and provide greater accessiblity through mode choice. 2030 travel demand model runs do not show excessive congestion to warrant additional through-lanes by 2030. If local input still shows desire for eventual 4-lane road, however, a multi-use path must be placed far enough from road to preserve adequate future ROW. A multi-use path, rather than bike lanes and sidewalks, is recommended due to the probable use of the facility by schoolchildren. Widening recommendations are in the Capital Improvement Plan.
This winding segment of SR 119 lacks a shoulder and has experienced several fatal crashes. Adding an improved shoulder (to standards of other State Route segments in the County) will help with safety in the area. Additionally adding roadside reflectors will reduce incidents based on failure to navigate turns at night.
First segment of potential Northeastern extension of Effingham Parkway. Though currently considered a "county project" due to relatively low traffic volumes projected by the study's travel demand model, completing this segment will allow Effingham Parkway traffic to channel back to SR 21 north of Springfield (via additional projects #1 and #2), rather than completely loading on to SR 119. Undertaking project #13 in addition to this one will enable vehicle movement to SR 17 north of Guyton, rather than directing offloading traffic through the center of Guyton.
Widen (+ turn lane)
Widen (4-->6 Lanes)
Widen (2-->4 Lanes)
Widen (2-->3 Lanes)
Shoulder Increase
New Two-Lane Road
Length (miles)
7.85 2.65 0.77 2.51
3.60
4.09 5.02
11.65 3.00
Total Score 101.0 96.0 47.5 98.8
98.8
46.3 92.3
59.3 42.5
Roadway Score 32.5 32.5 32.5 30.0
30.0
30.0 30.0
30.0 32.5
Bike Score
Pedestrian Score
General Score
Roadway +General
25.5
23.0
20.0
52.50
25.5 0.0
23.0 0.0
15.0 15.0
47.50 47.50
25.5
23.0
16.3
46.25
25.5
23.0
16.3
46.25
0.0
0.0
16.3
46.25
25.5
23.0
13.8
43.75
15.5
0.0
13.8
43.75
0.0
0.0
10.0
42.50
July 2008
6-23
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.4 Ranked List of Recommended Potential Roadway Projects, Continued
Rank
Map ID
10 94
11 45 12 65
13 101
14 9 15 42 16 123
17 91 18 92 19 107 20 108
21 84
22 116 23 80
Facility Name
SR 119, Segment 1
Effingham Parkway (Chatham)
Effingham Parkway, Segment 1
US 80, Segment 2
Powell Road Extension
Chimney - Busch Connector
Blue Jay / Blandford Road
Sand Hill Road, Segment 1
Sand Hill Road, Segment 2 119/21 Realignment in Springfield 119/21 Realignment in Springfield
Meldrim - Jabez Jones Connector
Springfield Elementary School Drive Extension Courthouse Road
Extents
SR 17 to Bulloch County Line
Chatham County Line to vicinity of Monteith Road (Chatham) County Line to Blue Jay Road
SR 17 to Sandhill Road
4th Avenue to SR 119 (intersect w/ Little McCall Realignment)
Busch Road to SR 21
SR 21 to McCall Road
US 80 to Stagefield Road
Stagefield Road to Boggy Road SR 119 at school driveway to Old Tusculsum Road Laurel Street to Old Dixie Highway
US 80 to Jabez Jones Road
Early Street to Spring ES driveway entrance SR 17 to Stagecoach Avenue
Details / Justification
Adding an improved shoulder (to standards of other State Route segments in the County) will help with safety in the area. It will also allow recreational bicyclists to travel more easily between proposed multi-use paths and a bike route located in Bulloch County (119/Stilson Road) which eventually leads to Statesboro. A river recreation area is accessed from SR 119 at the county line.
This segment of Effingham Parkway (project #44) is located in Chatham County and is a necessary link in connecting the potential parkway to a southern terminus that can handle a high potential volume of vehicles.
Building a major N-S roadway in the south central part of Effingham County would support high-impact economic development opportunities, serve as a truck bypass (to SR 21), and greatly increase regional connectivity. Effingham Parkway is listed in both the STIP and Capital Improvement Plan.
Continuation of widening from Chatham County, terminate at Sand Hill Road (or Old River Road). State bike route. provide facilities (lanes/sidewalks) on all of US 80 within Effingham. Four state bike routes utilize this stretch of road and should have dedicated facilities for safety. All arterials should have sidewalks.
Constructing this road will allow local vehicular and pedestrian access to the residential areas of Guyton without forcing vehicular traffic through the busy SR 119 / SR 17 intersection in downtown Guyton. Would be most effective in combination with project # 78 (realignment of Little McCall Road intersection with SR 119).
Creating an official road in place of the existing parking lot will allow area residents to access the current traffic signal at Chimney Road and SR 21, reducing reliance on McCall Road until the intersection there can be upgraded.
Blue Jay is the primary E-W connector south of SR 119 and should have dedicated pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Occasional right turn lanes will improve traffic flow, though additional vehicular through-lanes are not justified by the study's travel demand model at this time.
Adding turn lanes will improve mobility and safe vehicular access to neighborhoods. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities will help residents access schools and recreational areas, as well as potential commuter bus stops along US 80 and SR17. Segment in Capital Improvement Plan.
Adding turn lanes will improve mobility and safe vehicular access to neighborhoods. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities will help residents access schools and recreational areas, as well as potential commuter bus stops along US 80 and SR17.
GDOT has finished the design phase for this project, which will lead to more optimal truck movement in the area. However, sidewalks should be added to this roadway segment to connect west and east Springfield to each other, as well as a nearby school. In STIP.
GDOT has finished the design phase for this project, which will lead to more optimal truck movement in the area. In STIP.
Constructing a facility to connect Meldrim Road and Jabez Jones Road will greatly aid in regional connectivity and increased safety for area residents (especially in Meldrim). It will improve access to highways and schools, and reduce volumes at the intersections of SR 17 with US 80 and SR 30. Construct as a "Complete Street" with sidewalks and bike lanes in addition to automobile travel lanes. It may be necessary to signalize the intersection of US 80 with this project, based on traffic volume.
Extending Ash St northward (to the left side of the Armory) to Early Street will provide a direct connection between homes and residences in the area and downtown Springfield. This is an essential link in creating a more connected street network on the northern side of town and reducing dependency on automobiles for local trips.
Extending Courthouse Road to the Stagecoach Avenue off of Sand Hill Road will provide greater regional connectivity, allowing better citizen access to a major recreation center.
Roadway Improvement
Shoulder Increase
New Four-Lane Road
New Four-Lane Road
Widen (2-->4 Lanes)
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
Occasional Right Turn
Lanes
Widen (+ turn lane)
Widen (+ turn lane)
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
Length (miles)
4.23 1.76 5.11 4.48 0.54 0.07 1.89 3.11 1.31 0.52 0.34
1.70
0.33 2.34
Total Score
Roadway Score
Bike Score
Pedestrian Score
General Score
Roadway +General
56.8
30.0
15.5
0.0
11.3
41.25
88.5 88.5
25.0 25.0
25.5 25.5
23.0 23.0
15.0 15.0
40.00 40.00
87.3
30.0
25.5
23.0
8.8
38.75
60.5 37.5 88.8
32.5 32.5 20.0
0.0 0.0 25.5
23.0 0.0 23.0
5.0 5.0 16.3
37.50 37.50 36.25
86.3 82.3 60.8 33.8
20.0 20.0 22.5 22.5
25.5 25.5 0.0 0.0
23.0 23.0 23.0 0.0
13.8 13.8 11.3 11.3
33.75 33.75 33.75 33.75
81.0
22.5
25.5
23.0
10.0
32.50
59.5
22.5
0.0
23.0
10.0
32.50
55.5
22.5
0.0
23.0
10.0
32.50
July 2008
6-24
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.4 Ranked List of Recommended Potential Roadway Projects, Continued
Rank
Map ID
24 6
25 67 26 75 27 129 28 132 29 39
30 127 31 124 32 2
33 4
34 8 35 12 36 18
37 25
Facility Name
Morgan Road Extension
HS Access (to Deerfield Road)
Pound Road Pleasant Acres Connector
North Ridge Road
Smith Avenuenue Extension
Blue Jay Road
Fort Howard Road, Segment 3
Carolina Avenuenue (South)
Boaen Road Extension
Griffin Lake Road Extension
Porter Road Shearwood Road
Angus Exley Road Extension
Josiah Morgan Sam Smart Connector
Extents
Details / Justification
Springfield-Egypt Road to SR 17
Pleasant Acre Road (straightened) to SR 119 between HS and MS End of Pound Road to Pleasant Acres Road in vicinity of powerline easement end of current road to Carolina Avenue extension parallel to RR Tracks (Rincon) Smith Avenue to E 4th Street (Rincon)
McCall Road to SandHill Road
SR 21 to McCall Road
W 17th Street to N Ridge Drive
Springfield-Egypt Road to SR 21
SR 17 to SpringfieldEgypt Road
Old Louisville Road to Riverside Drive Old Louisville Road to Ogeechee River
End of Angus Exley Road to Bark Dr
Connect Josiah Morgan Road to Sam Smart Road (at ends)
Extending Morgan Road between Springfield-Egypt Road and SR 17 will improve high-level connectivity in the Northern part of the county, aiding in emergency vehicle movement. EW connectors between SR 17 and SR 21 north of Guyton were specifically requested by public safety officials. This improvement would be most effective in combination with Projects #5 and #14, and is already recorded in the Effingham Capital Improvement Plan.
This roadway connection allows Effingham Middle and High Schools to be accessed from the rear, thus reducing pressure on SR 119.
Building a new road in this location would aid local and regional connectivity, reducing reliance on primary city roads for local traffic.
Needed for continuation of connectivity (project #124) and providing local alternative to SR 21.
This segment is a continuation of Rincon's residential grid system. At a minimum, preserve right-of-way for transportation improvement as a part of new development. This road is a primary E-W connector and should up upgraded to have better functionality. It can be initially widened by providing a center turning lane or otherwise adding occasional left and right turn bays in necessary places. Long-term, a four-lane road may be called for but is not currently justified by travel demand model volume projections. Blue Jay Road should also have bike lanes as it is a critical direct E-W bike link south of 119. In Capital Improvement Plan. Ft Howard is an important E-W connector and should be continued west to provide direct access to employment center. Develop road (and RR crossing) as part of DRI. Construct "Complete Street" with bike lanes and sidewalks. Eventually this and parallel roads should connect to future Effingham Parkway. This project provides rear access to Lowe's and other development along SR 21 from residential Rincon, reducing the need for local traffic to utilize arterials. It was specifically requested by the Rincon planning department. This road segment provides a short connector from the existing Boaen Road to SR 21, continuing from the intersection of Boaen Road and Springfield-Egypt Road. It forms the final segment of a potential Northeastern extension of Effingham Parkway, providing a convenient terminus at SR 21. Extending Griffin Lake Road to Springfield-Egypt/Shawnee-Egypt Road will improve highlevel connectivity in the Northern part of the county, aiding in emergency vehicle movement. E-W connectors between SR 17 and SR 21 north of Guyton were specifically requested by public safety officials. This segment can form a part of a near continuous improved route from Old Louisville Road to Clyo-Kildare Road (in combination with projects #31 and #22). Constructing this roadway extension will aid in better access to existing or potential riverbased recreation activities and emergency vehicle movement. This project is in the Capital Improvement Plan, and also provides access to potential outdoor recreation area & boat launch. Extending Angus Exley Road to Bark Drive will cost-effectively aid in regional connectivity by utilizing existing roadways (coordinate with projects #19 and #20). Other potential connections in vicinity between SR 119 and Sister's Ferry Road can be undertaken if this extension is not feasible. Building a new road between Josiah Morgan Road and Sam Smart Road will costeffectively aid in regional connectivity by utilizing existing roadways (coordinate with projects #26 and #29). It is an important local N-S link between SR 21 and SR 119 in northeastern Effingham County.
Roadway Improvement
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
Widen (2-->3 Lanes)
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
Length (miles)
2.74
0.71 3.39 0.23 0.20 9.36
1.29 0.69 0.42
2.20 2.12 0.78 0.88 1.33
Total Score
Roadway Score
Bike Score
Pedestrian Score
General Score
Roadway +General
41.5
22.5
9.0
0.0
10.0
32.50
32.5
22.5
0.0
32.5
22.5
0.0
32.5
22.5
0.0
32.5
22.5
0.0
79.8
20.0
25.5
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 23.0
10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 11.3
32.50 32.50 32.50 32.50 31.25
81.3 75.0 27.5
22.5 22.5 22.5
25.5 20.5 0.0
23.0 23.0 0.0
6.3
28.75
5.0
27.50
5.0
27.50
27.5
22.5
0.0
0.0
27.5
22.5
0.0
0.0
27.5
22.5
0.0
0.0
27.5
22.5
0.0
0.0
27.5
22.5
0.0
0.0
5.0
27.50
5.0
27.50
5.0
27.50
5.0
27.50
5.0
27.50
July 2008
6-25
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.4 Ranked List of Recommended Potential Roadway Projects, Continued
Rank
Map ID
38 31
39 38
40 52
41 54 42 55 43 61 44 68 45 69 46 71
Facility Name
Shawnee Road, Segment 2
Azalea Commercial Connector
Low Ground - Blue Jay Connector
McCall Road Extension
Mock Road Extension
Zipperer Hodgeville Connector Little McCall Road north terminus realign
Low Ground Shirley Connector
Magnolia - Big T Connector
Extents
Old Dixie to Corinth Church Road
end of Azalea Avenue to Goshen Commercial Park Dr end of Hodgeville Road (realign to be perpendicular to Blue Jay) to just E of Sagepoint Road
SR 21 to AzaleaCommercial Connector (New)
SR 21 to Stillwell Road (Springfield)
Zipperer Paddock (end) to Hodgeville Road
north end of road to SR 119
Shirley Road to end of #66
Magnolia Street Ext to Courthouse Road (E of Indica Pl)
Details / Justification
This segment is part of a continuous E-W route in the northern part of the county. Improving the road will enhance local connectivity and emergency vehicle access. Would be most effective if improved at the same time as project #22.
This parallel new road would provide a local alternative to SR 21 so that area businesses could be accessed from a low-speed rear access road rather than a high-speed highvolume arterial. It provides a terminus to a McCall Road eastern extension (#54) and increases area connectivity.
This segment extends Hodgeville Road northwards and aids in macro-connectivity. A smaller project than the parallel Effingham Parkway, it can have more immediate benefit by being part of a direct route between Guyton and southern Effingham County/ Coordinate with projects #69, #66, #71, #63.
Extending McCall road across SR 21 will enhance local connectivity and decrease reliance on SR 21. Having a signalized four-way intersection here can mitigate turning-related safety issues at intersection of McCall Road and SR 21. The junction of McCall Road and SR 21 was specifically mentioned by public safety officials in relation to school bus movement.
Constructing this roadway segment aids in regional connectivity, allowing local throughtravelers to access 119 E from 21 N (or vice versa) without going through Springfield. If desired, add truck route restrictions to this project and enforce usage of SR 21 and SR 119 for area freight movement.
This project is a general recommendation of primary E-W connectivity for IDA Research Forest so that it meshes better with surrounding areas and transportation network. The final alignment should be coordinated with Research Forest and project #47.
Realign Little McCall Road at SR 119 to help mitigate intersection-related safety issues. Continue north to Powell St and provide access to Guyton residential area. Aids in local connectivity.
Constructing this road in combination with improvement projects #66, #63, #71, #52 will aid in macro-connectivity, and local and emergency vehicle movement. There are a number of more recent developments in the area that would benefit from being able to travel on roadways besides Midland Road and McCall Road which have relatively high crash rates in some locations.
A new roadway segment in this location will aid connectivity by creating another access point to and from the City of Guyton that does not depend on SR 119. It will be especially beneficial for residences along Courthouse Road.
Roadway Improvement New Two-Lane
Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
New Two-Lane Road
Length (miles)
1.12 0.26
1.73
0.18
1.17 1.03 0.30 1.25 3.42
Total Score
27.5
Roadway Score
22.5
Bike Score
0.0
Pedestrian Score
0.0
General Score
5.0
Roadway +General
27.50
27.5
22.5
0.0
0.0
5.0
27.50
27.5
22.5
0.0
0.0
5.0
27.50
27.5
22.5
0.0
0.0
27.5
22.5
0.0
0.0
27.5
22.5
0.0
0.0
27.5
22.5
0.0
0.0
27.5
22.5
0.0
0.0
27.5
22.5
0.0
0.0
5.0
27.50
5.0
27.50
5.0
27.50
5.0
27.50
5.0
27.50
5.0
27.50
July 2008
6-26
Table 6.5 Ranked List of Recommended Potential Bicycle Projects
Note: Does not include Signage-Only Rural Routes
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Rank
Map ID
1
44
2
89
3
126
133
5
123
6
134
135
8
47
9
45
65
Facility Name Effingham Parkway, Segment 2 Rails-to-Trails Fort Howard Road, Segment 2
SR 21, Segment 1
Blue Jay / Blandford Road SR 21, Segment 2 SR 21, Segment 3 Research Forest EW connector Effingham Parkway (Chatham) Effingham Parkway, Segment 1
Extents
Blue Jay Road to SR 119 Downtown Guyton to Meldrim @ 2nd Street
SR 21 to Old Augusta Road
Old Augusta to Ft Howard Road
SR 21 to McCall Road
Ft Howard Road to 4th Street (Rincon) 4th St (Rincon) to Laurel St (Springfield) McCall Road to Hodgeville Road (in DRI) Chatham County Line to vicinity of Monteith Road (Chatham) County Line to Blue Jay Road
Details / Justification
Building a primary N-S roadway in the south central part of Effingham County would support high-impact economic development opportunities, serve as a truck bypass (to SR 21), and greatly increase regional connectivity. Effingham Parkway is listed in both the STIP and Capital Improvement Plan.
Prime opportunity for recreational and mobility-oriented multi-use path. Using old railbeds as low-impact trails is a method to preserve railroad right-of-way in event of future passenger train service to area.
Roadway operations and access to residential development would be improved with turn lanes. This road is the primary means of access to Rincon and SR 21 for many residents, and dedicated pedestrian and bicycle facilities are recommended to give all residents transportation choice. Fort Howard Road is also a key segment of an integrated bicycle network to the east of Rincon
Widening to 6 lanes (from I-95 through the City of Rincon) is justified by this study's travel demand model to provide adequate automobile capacity for Level of Service C or above in 2030, based on current travel behavior. However, any widening of SR 21 within Rincon city limits would negatively impact the existing urban character and future corridor revitalization efforts. Thus, Fort Howard Road is recommended as the northernmost potential terminus of this roadway widening project. Based on the preliminary environmental review, there are also a number of properties and structures along SR 21 between Goshen Road and Fort Howard Road in unincorporated Effingham that would be potentially impacted by a roadway widening. First implementing appropriate ITS and operational improvements (access management, channelized right turn lanes) on SR 21 in Chatham County could delay the need for widening of SR 21 north of the Effingham/Chatham County Line or Goshen Road. Regardless of improvements implemented for automobile movement, safe pedestrian and bicycle access is necessary along this corridor. Due to high adjacent traffic volume and speeds, a multi-use path on each side of SR-21 is recommended to separate walkers and bicyclists from cars.
Blue Jay is the primary E-W connector south of SR 119 and should have dedicated pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Occasional right turn lanes will improve traffic flow, though additional vehicular through-lanes are not justified by the study's travel demand model at this time.
Continue to implement multi-use paths along SR 21 to provide multi-modal access to school, downtown, residential areas. SR 21 is a key segment of an integrated multimodal network.
Construct dedicated bicycle and pedestrian facilities along SR 21 to provide a direct multi-modal connection between Rincon and Springfield. This roadway segment is a proposed State Bike Route and also provides access to employment centers at Ebenezer Road and SR 21 as well as schools and recreational opportunities.
If Research Forest Industrial Park is developed, E-W connectivity between McCall Road and SR 21 (and optimally Hodgeville Road) is needed. Coordinate planning and construction of this road with the Research Forest Site Plan and eventually Effingham Pkwy. Construct as "Complete Street" with pedestrian and bike facilities.
This segment of Effingham Parkway (project #44) is located in Chatham County and is a necessary link in connecting the potential parkway to a southern terminus that can handle a high potential volume of vehicles.
Building a major N-S roadway in the south central part of Effingham County would support high-impact economic development opportunities, serve as a truck bypass (to SR 21), and greatly increase regional connectivity. Effingham Parkway is listed in both the STIP and Capital Improvement Plan.
Bicycle Improvement Marked Bicycle Lanes Multi-Use Path
Marked Bicycle Lanes
Multi-Use Path
Multi-Use Path
Multi-Use Path Marked Bicycle Lanes Marked Bicycle Lanes Marked Bicycle Lanes Marked Bicycle Lanes
Length (miles)
Total Score
7.85
101.0
13.62
82.5
2.51
98.8
3.60
98.8
1.89 1.37 6.01
88.8 78.8 78.8
2.65
96.0
1.76
88.5
5.11
88.5
Roadway Score
Bike Score
32.5
25.5
10.0
25.5
30.0
25.5
30.0
25.5
20.0 10.0 10.0 32.5 25.0 25.0
25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5
Pedestrian Score
General Score
Bicycle +General
23.0
20.0
45.50
23.0
20.0
45.50
23.0
16.3
41.75
23.0
16.3
41.75
23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0
16.3 16.3 16.3 15.0 15.0 15.0
41.75 41.75 41.75 40.50 40.50 40.50
July 2008
6-27
Table 6.5 Ranked List of Recommended PotentialBicycle Projects, Continued
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Rank
Map ID
11
78
12
91
13
92
14
48
15
122
16
131
17
39
18
95
19
98
20
115
21
84
22
76
Facility Name
Extents
SR 119, Segment 2 SR 17 to SR 21
Sand Hill Road, Segment 1
US 80 to Stagefield Road
Sand Hill Road, Segment 2
Stagefield Road to Boggy Road
Goshen Road
SR 21 to Effingham Parkway
4th Street / Rincon SR 21 to Bunyan
Stillwell Road
Kessler Road
Rincon Stillwell Road
Ft Howard Road to Ebenezer Road
Blue Jay Road
McCall Road to SandHill Road
SR 17, Segment 1
US 80 to Blue Jay Road
SR 30, Segment 2
SR 17 to Nease Road
S Laurel Street
SR 21 to SR 119/SR 21 Realign
Meldrim - Jabez Jones Connector
US 80 to Jabez Jones Road
Multi-Use Path along power line easement
Courthouse Road to SR 119
Details / Justification
A center turning lane along with right turn bays along this length of road as well as bike/pedestrian accommodation (multi-use path) is recommended to improve traffic operations and provide greater accessiblity through mode choice. 2030 travel demand model runs do not show excessive congestion to warrant additional through-lanes by 2030. If local input still shows desire for eventual 4-lane road, however, a multi-use path must be placed far enough from road to preserve adequate future ROW. A multiuse path, rather than bike lanes and sidewalks, is recommended due to the probable use of the facility by schoolchildren. Widening recommendations are in the Capital Improvement Plan.
Adding turn lanes will improve mobility and safe vehicular access to neighborhoods. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities will help residents access schools and recreational areas, as well as potential commuter bus stops along US 80 and SR17. Segment in Capital Improvement Plan.
Adding turn lanes will improve mobility and safe vehicular access to neighborhoods. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities will help residents access schools and recreational areas, as well as potential commuter bus stops along US 80 and SR17.
Many residences are located in the vicinity of Goshen Road, which is part of the southernmost continuous E-W route in Effingham County. A bike lane is necessary to safely connect area residents to destinations along SR 21. Road improvements along Goshen Road are in the Capital Improvement Plan.
Key segment of integrated bicycle/pedestrian network, connects residential neighborhoods with downtown Rincon and Elementary School
Part of scenic route system, key segment of bicycle network, provides access from residential areas in Rincon to Ebenezer Middle School and High School and ind park. Build in conjunction with Ft Howard, Rincon Stillwell, and 4th St bicycle facilities.
This road is a primary E-W connector and should up upgraded to have better functionality. It can be initially widened by providing a center turning lane or otherwise adding occasional left and right turn bays in necessary places. Long-term, a four-lane road may be called for but is not currently justified by travel demand model volume projections. Blue Jay Road should also have bike lanes as it is a critical direct E-W bike link south of 119. In Capital Improvement Plan.
Bike/pededestrian facilities are needed in the vicinity of schools and future activity centers. SR 17 is a current state bike route, but is not safe due to the lack of dedicated facilities providing a buffer between bicyclists and fast-moving automobiles. All major roads should have sidewalks on them, especially if they have community facilities located alongside them.
Many residents in area need to access middle and high schools. Busy road requires separate pedestrian facilities for safety. This is an important link in a continuous pedestrian network.
One of several streets highlighted in Springfield to provide N-S city street connectivity. Ultimately a block-by-block local pedestrian and bicycle plan should be developed by the City of Springfield, but highlighted improvements serve as a preliminary guide to potential multi-modal upgrades.
Constructing a facility to connect Meldrim Road and Jabez Jones Road will greatly aid in regional connectivity and increased safety for area residents (especially in Meldrim). It will improve access to highways and schools, and reduce volumes at the intersections of SR 17 with US 80 and SR 30. Construct as a "Complete Street" with sidewalks and bike lanes in addition to automobile travel lanes. It may be necessary to signalize the intersection of US 80 with this project, based on traffic volume.
This multi-use path project provides a scenic non-vehicular connection between a large residential area and nearby middle and high schools via a power line easement. The segment of SR 119 adjacent to the two schools has a spike in vehicular incidents at times corresponding to the start and end of the school day. Providing more nonautomobile options to get to school will improve the safety of students, their parents, and other drivers utilizing SR 119 between Springfield and Guyton.
Bicycle Improvement
Multi-Use Path
Marked Bicycle Lanes Marked Bicycle Lanes Marked Bicycle Lanes Marked Bicycle Lanes Marked Bicycle Lanes
Multi-Use Path
Marked Bicycle Lanes
Marked Bicycle Lanes Marked Bicycle Lanes
Marked Bicycle Lanes
Multi-Use Path
Length (miles)
Total Score
5.02
92.3
3.11 1.31 2.82 1.49 1.40
86.3 82.3 72.3 75.0 42.0
9.36
79.8
5.30
73.8
2.12 2.19
69.8 63.8
1.70
81.0
2.76
68.5
Roadway Score
Bike Score
30.0
25.5
20.0 20.0 10.0 10.0 0.0
20.0
25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5 20.5
25.5
10.0 10.0 0.0
25.5 25.5 25.5
22.5
25.5
10.0
25.5
Pedestrian Score
General Score
Bicycle +General
23.0
13.8
39.25
23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 0.0
23.0
13.8 13.8 13.8 12.5 17.5
39.25 39.25 39.25 38.00 38.00
11.3
36.75
23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0
11.3 11.3 11.3
36.75 36.75 36.75
10.0
35.50
23.0
10.0
35.50
July 2008
6-28
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.5 Ranked List of Recommended Potential Bicycle Projects, Continued
Rank
Map ID
83
24
105
25
90
26
101
27
117
28
56
29
11
30
127
31
100
32
53
33
33
34
102
94
36
46
Facility Name Jabez Jones Road Guyton Rails-ToTrails (underway) S Effingham High School woodland path US 80, Segment 2
SR 119, Segment 3 Old Augusta Road
Long Bridge Road
Fort Howard Road, Segment 3 US 80, Segment 1
McCall Road
SR 119, Segment 4
US 80, Segment 3
SR 119, Segment 1
Fort Howard Road, Segment 1
Extents
SR 17 to SR 30
Downtown Guyton Richmond Drive to back of HS (between baseball and football field) SR 17 to Sandhill Road
SR 21 to Laurel St
SR 21 to Ft Howard Road
Ebenezer Road to Wylly Road
SR 21 to McCall Road
SR 17 to Chatham County Line
SR 21 to Blue Jay Road (Blanford Rd)
SR 21 realign (Springfield) to SC State Line Sandhill Road to Bulloch County Line
SR 17 to Bulloch County Line
Old Augusta Road to Rincon-Stillwell Road
Details / Justification
Adding pedestrian and bicycle facilities will help neighborhood kids get to the middle school and high school without having to navigate local highways by car. This is a safety improvement as well as an integral part of the overall bicycle and pedestrian network.
This project is already under construction, and provides an exciting recreational opportunity in the middle of the City of Guyton. Expanded southward into Meldrim, this rails-to-trails project also constitutes a viable bicycle commuter route.
Adding a path through the woods would connect neighborhoods to middle and high school without forcing teenagers to drive on state highways, thus improving roadway safety. Consider pursuing this as a local project, potentially utilizing a boardwalk to traverse any area wetlands.
Continuation of widening from Chatham County, terminate at Sand Hill Road (or Old River Road). State bike route. provide facilities (lanes/sidewalks) on all of US 80 within Effingham. Four state bike routes utilize this stretch of road and should have dedicated facilities for safety. All arterials should have sidewalks.
This recommended multi-use path along this roadway segment provides safe, direct multi-modal access to Downtown Springfield, and is a continuation of project #78. It also accommodates a State Bike Route.
Paving this road will increased connectivity and reduced maintenance costs. It is also recommended to use Old Augusta Road as a scenic bicycle route. Construction has already begun on southern end. In Capital Improvement Plan.
Adding bike lanes to this road will connect existing county bike lanes to Old Augusta Road and Fort Howard Road (with implementation of #131 and #46), in addition to providing eventual access to SR 21 business and Downtown Rincon. It is a key segment of an integrated bicycle network, providing safe, direct transportation and recreation opportunities.
Ft Howard is an important E-W connector and should be continued west to provide direct access to employment center. Develop road (and RR crossing) as part of DRI. Construct "Complete Street" with bike lanes and sidewalks. Eventually this and parallel roads should connect to future Effingham Parkway.
Four state bike routes utilize this stretch of road and should have dedicated facilities for safety. Additionally, all arterials should have sidewalks as they provide direction connections between many origins and destinations.
McCall Road is a fairly high traffic volume road with a number of residences, schools, and nearby recreational and commercial destinations. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities are needed to safely connect neighborhoods to elementary school and park. McCall road has higher vehicular crash rate than other roads of identical functional class and the addition of wide shoulders and sidewalks can potentially help to make the road safer via mode substitution for short and mid-length trips.
This winding segment of SR 119 lacks a shoulder and has experienced several fatal crashes. Adding an improved shoulder (to standards of other State Route segments in the County) will help with safety in the area. Additionally adding roadside reflectors will reduce incidents based on failure to navigate turns at night.
Arterials should have sidewalks for multi-modal safety and accessibility. Additionally, facilities for a long distance state bike route are needed as the route continues into Bulloch County to connect with their greenway plan.
Adding an improved shoulder (to standards of other State Route segments in the County) will help with safety in the area. It will also allow recreational bicyclists to travel more easily between proposed multi-use paths and a bike route located in Bulloch County (119/Stilson Road) which eventually leads to Statesboro. A river recreation area is accessed from SR 119 at the county line.
Putting bicycle facilities along Fort Howard Road will connect large residential subdivisions to the City of Rincon, SR 21, area schools, and existing county bike lanes. It is a key segment of an integrated bicycle network.
Bicycle Improvement Marked Bicycle Lanes Multi-Use Path
Multi-Use Path
Marked Bicycle Lanes Multi-Use Path Wide Shoulder
Marked Bicycle Lanes
Marked Bicycle Lanes Marked Bicycle Lanes
Wide Shoulder
Wide Shoulder
Wide Shoulder
Wide Shoulder
Wide Shoulder
Length (miles)
Total Score
1.04
68.5
0.74
62.5
0.35
58.5
4.48 0.43 4.87
87.3 61.3 43.0
0.10
33.0
1.29 0.78
81.3 64.8
3.38
63.5
11.65
59.3
1.09
59.8
4.23
56.8
2.30
36.8
Roadway Score
Bike Score
10.0
25.5
0.0
25.5
0.0
25.5
30.0 0.0 10.0
25.5 25.5 15.5
0.0
20.5
22.5 10.0
25.5 25.5
10.0
20.5
30.0 10.0 30.0 10.0
15.5 20.5 15.5 15.5
Pedestrian Score
General Score
23.0
10.0
Bicycle +General
35.50
23.0
10.0
35.50
23.0
10.0
35.50
23.0 23.0 0.0
8.8 8.8 17.5
34.25 34.25 33.00
0.0
12.5
33.00
23.0 23.0
6.3
31.75
6.3
31.75
23.0
10.0
30.50
0.0 23.0 0.0 0.0
13.8 6.3 11.3 11.3
29.25 26.75 26.75 26.75
July 2008
6-29
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.5 Ranked List of Recommended Potential Bicycle Projects, Continued
Rank
Map ID
96
38
124
39
93
40
51
41
37
42
40
41
77 85
Facility Name
SR 17, Segment 2
Carolina Avenuenue (South) Sand Hill Road, Segment 3
Long Pond Road 4th Street / Rincon-Stillwell Road Bunyan Kessler Road
Chimney Road
Rahn Station Road
Meldrim Road
Extents
Blue Jay Road to Midland Road
W 17th Street to N Ridge Drive
Boggy Road to railbed
Ft Howard Road to Rincon Stillwell Road Bunyan Kessler Road to Long Pond Road Rincon-Stillwell Road to Fort Howard Road
SR 21 to Old Augusta Road
SR 21 to McCall Road at Effingham Parkway Central Avenue (Meldrim) to US 80
Details / Justification
The State Bike Route present along this road segment should be upgraded to include dedicated facilities due to volume and speed of adjacent traffic. Because a nearby railsto-trails conversion (#89) may be costly or take some time to plan, SR 17 should be upgraded to accommodate multiple modes.
This project provides rear access to Lowe's and other development along SR 21 from residential Rincon, reducing the need for local traffic to utilize arterials. It was specifically requested by the Rincon planning department.
Adding turn lanes will improve mobility and safe vehicular access to neighborhoods. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities will help residents access schools and recreational areas, as well as potential commuter bus stops along US 80 and SR17.
In tandem with projects #122, #46, and #11, bicycle facilities along this roadway segment allow Rincon residents to access schools, recreation areas, and existing/proposed bike lanes.
This is a key segment of an integrated bicycle network and would be most effective built in conjunction with projects #122 and #51.
Adding a shoulder to Bunyon Kessler Road will help bicyclists travel north and south just outside of Rincon. It is a key segment of an integrated bicycle network and increases safety and connectivity.
Chimney Road has many residences located along it and is the first E-W connector between SR 21 and Old Augusta Road when entering Effingham County from the south. It is a critical link for adding bicycle facilities, which will enable children to get to school and parks more easily as well as generally increasing non-vehicular access to commercial destinations along SR 21.
Rahn Station Road is one of four recommended E-W bike routes in the southern half of the county. A facility on this road will connect existing lanes along Ebenezer Road to new lanes along Effingham Parkway, providing a decent level of large-scale bicycle network connectivity in the area.
This project provides greater opportunity for Meldrim residents to access the highway and community facilities by bike.
Bicycle Improvement Marked Bicycle Lanes Wide Shoulder Wide Shoulder Wide Shoulder Wide Shoulder Wide Shoulder
Wide Shoulder
Wide Shoulder Wide Shoulder
Length (miles)
Total Score
4.96
36.8
0.69 1.70 0.97 0.24 0.91
75.0 24.3 33.0 23.0 30.5
2.13
30.5
3.60 1.28
30.5 30.5
Roadway Score
Bike Score
10.0
20.5
22.5 0.0 10.0 0.0 10.0
20.5 15.5 15.5 15.5 15.5
10.0
15.5
10.0 10.0
15.5 15.5
Pedestrian Score
General Score
Bicycle +General
0.0
6.3
26.75
23.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
5.0
25.50
8.8
24.25
7.5
23.00
7.5
23.00
5.0
20.50
0.0
5.0
20.50
0.0
5.0
20.50
0.0
5.0
20.50
July 2008
6-30
Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.6 Ranked List of Recommended Potential Pedestrian Projects
Rank 1 2 3
5 6
8 9 10
12 13
Map ID 44 89 126
133
123 134 135 49 47 45 65 82 128
Facility Name Effingham Parkway, Segment 2
Rails-to-Trails
Fort Howard Road, Segment 2
SR 21, Segment 1
Blue Jay / Blandford Road SR 21, Segment 2
SR 21, Segment 3
Goshen/Hodgeville/ Kolick Helmey Roads Research Forest EW connector Effingham Parkway (Chatham) Effingham Parkway, Segment 1
Honey Ridge Road Lexington Avenuenue
Extents
Blue Jay Road to SR 119 Downtown Guyton to Meldrim @ 2nd Street
SR 21 to Old Augusta Road
Old Augusta to Ft Howard Road
SR 21 to McCall Road Ft Howard Road to 4th Street (Rincon) 4th St (Rincon) to Laurel St (Springfield)
Effingham Parkway to SR 30
McCall Road to Hodgeville Road (in DRI) Chatham County Line to vicinity of Monteith Road (Chatham) County Line to Blue Jay Road
SR 17 to SR 119
9th Street to Madison Oaks Drive (Rincon)
Details / Justification
Building a primary N-S roadway in the south central part of Effingham County would support high-impact economic development opportunities, serve as a truck bypass (to SR 21), and greatly increase regional connectivity. Effingham Parkway is listed in both the STIP and Capital Improvement Plan.
Prime opportunity for recreational and mobility-oriented multi-use path. Using old railbeds as low-impact trails is a method to preserve railroad right-of-way in event of future passenger train service to area.
Roadway operations and access to residential development would be improved with turn lanes. This road is the primary means of access to Rincon and SR 21 for many residents, and dedicated pedestrian and bicycle facilities are recommended to give all residents transportation choice. Fort Howard Road is also a key segment of an integrated bicycle network to the east of Rincon
Widening to 6 lanes (from I-95 through the City of Rincon) is justified by this study's travel demand model to provide adequate automobile capacity for Level of Service C or above in 2030, based on current travel behavior. However, any widening of SR 21 within Rincon city limits would negatively impact the existing urban character and future corridor revitalization efforts. Thus, Fort Howard Road is recommended as the northernmost potential terminus of this roadway widening project. Based on the preliminary environmental review, there are also a number of properties and structures along SR 21 between Goshen Road and Fort Howard Road in unincorporated Effingham that would be potentially impacted by a roadway widening. First implementing appropriate ITS and operational improvements (access management, channelized right turn lanes) on SR 21 in Chatham County could delay the need for widening of SR 21 north of the Effingham/Chatham County Line or Goshen Road. Regardless of improvements implemented for automobile movement, safe pedestrian and bicycle access is necessary along this corridor. Due to high adjacent traffic volume and speeds, a multi-use path on each side of SR-21 is recommended to separate walkers and bicyclists from cars.
Blue Jay is the primary E-W connector south of SR 119 and should have dedicated pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Occasional right turn lanes will improve traffic flow, though additional vehicular through-lanes are not justified by the study's travel demand model at this time.
Continue to implement multi-use paths along SR 21 to provide multi-modal access to school, downtown, residential areas. SR 21 is a key segment of an integrated multimodal network.
Construct dedicated bicycle and pedestrian facilities along SR 21 to provide a direct multimodal connection between Rincon and Springfield. This roadway segment is a proposed State Bike Route and also provides access to employment centers at Ebenezer Road and SR 21 as well as schools and recreational opportunities.
Many residences are located in the vicinity of this corridor, which is the southernmost continuous E-W route in Effingham County. Sidewalks are necessary to safely connect area residents to a number of schools as well as destinations along SR 21. Adding sidewalks to this corridor is a critical link in the pedestrian network.
If Research Forest Industrial Park is developed, E-W connectivity between McCall Road and SR 21 (and optimally Hodgeville Road) is needed. Coordinate planning and construction of this road with the Research Forest Site Plan and eventually Effingham Pkwy. Construct as "Complete Street" with pedestrian and bike facilities.
This segment of Effingham Parkway (project #44) is located in Chatham County and is a necessary link in connecting the potential parkway to a southern terminus that can handle a high potential volume of vehicles.
Building a major N-S roadway in the south central part of Effingham County would support high-impact economic development opportunities, serve as a truck bypass (to SR 21), and greatly increase regional connectivity. Effingham Parkway is listed in both the STIP and Capital Improvement Plan.
Sidewalks are necessary along Honey Ridge Road to safely access the recreation area and better separate pedestrians (including neighborhood children) from adjacent truck movement as this road is currently used as a shortcut from SR 17 to SR 119 to avoid their intersection in Guyton.
Lexington Avenuenue is a key segment of an integrated pedestrian network. It connects residential areas with downtown Rincon, a ballpark, and an elementary school.
Pedestrian Improvement
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Multi-Use Path
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Multi-Use Path
Multi-Use Path Multi-Use Path Sidewalks on
Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Length (miles)
7.85 13.62 2.51
3.60
1.89 1.37 6.01 3.75 2.65 1.76 5.11 2.25 1.44
Total Score 101.0 82.5 98.8
98.8
88.8 78.8 78.8 49.3 96.0 88.5 88.5 52.0 52.0
Roadway Score
Bike Score
Pedestrian Score
General Score
Pedestrian +General
32.5
25.5
23.0
20.0
43.00
10.0
25.5
23.0
20.0
43.00
30.0
25.5
23.0
16.3
39.25
30.0
25.5
23.0
16.3
39.25
20.0 10.0 10.0
25.5 25.5 25.5
23.0 23.0 23.0
10.0
0.0
23.0
32.5
25.5
25.0
25.5
25.0
25.5
23.0 23.0 23.0
10.0
0.0
10.0
0.0
23.0 23.0
16.3 16.3 16.3
39.25 39.25 39.25
16.3
39.25
15.0 15.0 15.0
38.00 38.00 38.00
15.0 15.0
38.00 38.00
July 2008
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.6 Ranked List of Recommended Potential Pedestrian Projects, Continued
Rank 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
26 27
Map ID
78
91 92 48 122 39
95 98 115 107 43 118 16
84
Facility Name
Extents
SR 119, Segment 2 SR 17 to SR 21
Sand Hill Road, Segment 1
US 80 to Stagefield Road
Sand Hill Road, Segment 2
Stagefield Road to Boggy Road
Goshen Road
SR 21 to Effingham Parkway
4th Street / Rincon SR 21 to Bunyan
Stillwell Road
Kessler Road
Blue Jay Road
McCall Road to SandHill Road
SR 17, Segment 1
US 80 to Blue Jay Road
SR 30, Segment 2 SR 17 to Nease Road
S Laurel Street
SR 21 to SR 119/SR 21 Realign
119/21 Realignment in Springfield
Ebenezer Road
SR 119 at school driveway to Old Tusculsum Road
SR 21 to Waldhour Road (by powerlines)
SR 21, Segment 4
SR 21@ S Laurel Street to SR 119/SR 21 Realign
SR 21, Segment 5
Old Tusculum to Springfield-Egypt Road
Meldrim - Jabez Jones Connector
US 80 to Jabez Jones Road
Details / Justification
A center turning lane along with right turn bays along this length of road as well as bike/pedestrian accommodation (multi-use path) is recommended to improve traffic operations and provide greater accessiblity through mode choice. 2030 travel demand model runs do not show excessive congestion to warrant additional through-lanes by 2030. If local input still shows desire for eventual 4-lane road, however, a multi-use path must be placed far enough from road to preserve adequate future ROW. A multi-use path, rather than bike lanes and sidewalks, is recommended due to the probable use of the facility by schoolchildren. Widening recommendations are in the Capital Improvement Plan.
Adding turn lanes will improve mobility and safe vehicular access to neighborhoods. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities will help residents access schools and recreational areas, as well as potential commuter bus stops along US 80 and SR17. Segment in Capital Improvement Plan.
Adding turn lanes will improve mobility and safe vehicular access to neighborhoods. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities will help residents access schools and recreational areas, as well as potential commuter bus stops along US 80 and SR17.
Many residences are located in the vicinity of Goshen Road, which is part of the southernmost continuous E-W route in Effingham County. A bike lane is necessary to safely connect area residents to destinations along SR 21. Road improvements along Goshen Road are in the Capital Improvement Plan.
Key segment of integrated bicycle/pedestrian network, connects residential neighborhoods with downtown Rincon and Elementary School
This road is a primary E-W connector and should up upgraded to have better functionality. It can be initially widened by providing a center turning lane or otherwise adding occasional left and right turn bays in necessary places. Long-term, a four-lane road may be called for but is not currently justified by travel demand model volume projections. Blue Jay Road should also have bike lanes as it is a critical direct E-W bike link south of 119. In Capital Improvement Plan.
Bike/pededestrian facilities are needed in the vicinity of schools and future activity centers. SR 17 is a current state bike route, but is not safe due to the lack of dedicated facilities providing a buffer between bicyclists and fast-moving automobiles. All major roads should have sidewalks on them, especially if they have community facilities located alongside them.
Many residents in area need to access middle and high schools. Busy road requires separate pedestrian facilities for safety. This is an important link in a continuous pedestrian network.
One of several streets highlighted in Springfield to provide N-S city street connectivity. Ultimately a block-by-block local pedestrian and bicycle plan should be developed by the City of Springfield, but highlighted improvements serve as a preliminary guide to potential multimodal upgrades.
GDOT has finished the design phase for this project, which will lead to more optimal truck movement in the area. However, sidewalks should be added to this roadway segment to connect west and east Springfield to each other, as well as a nearby school. In STIP.
New sidewalks along Ebenezer Road are critical in safely connecting nearby residential areas to a county middle school and elementary school.
One of several streets highlighted in Springfield to provide N-S city street connectivity. This segment provides direct access to the primary County Hospital and Veterans Park. Ultimately a block-by-block local pedestrian and bicycle plan should be developed by the City of Springfield, but highlighted improvements serve as a preliminary guide to potential multimodal upgrades.
Adding a sidewalk provides opportunity for area residents to access the highway and community facilities in Springfield. Implement in combination with projects # 72, #118, #117, and #115.
Constructing a facility to connect Meldrim Road and Jabez Jones Road will greatly aid in regional connectivity and increased safety for area residents (especially in Meldrim). It will improve access to highways and schools, and reduce volumes at the intersections of SR 17 with US 80 and SR 30. Construct as a "Complete Street" with sidewalks and bike lanes in addition to automobile travel lanes. It may be necessary to signalize the intersection of US 80 with this project, based on traffic volume.
Pedestrian Improvement
Multi-Use Path
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on One Side
Multi-Use Path
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Length (miles)
5.02
3.11 1.31 2.82 1.49 9.36
5.30 2.12 2.19 0.52 3.28 2.65 2.46
1.70
Total Score
92.3
86.3 82.3 72.3 75.0 79.8
73.8 69.8 63.8 60.8 48.3 48.3 44.3
81.0
Roadway Score
Bike Score
Pedestrian Score
General Score
Pedestrian +General
30.0
25.5
23.0
13.8
36.75
20.0 20.0 10.0 10.0
25.5 25.5 25.5 25.5
23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0
20.0
25.5
23.0
13.8 13.8 13.8 12.5
36.75 36.75 36.75 35.50
11.3
34.25
10.0 10.0 0.0 22.5 10.0 10.0
25.5 25.5 25.5 0.0 0.0 0.0
23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0
10.0
0.0
23.0
11.3 11.3 11.3 11.3 11.3 11.3
34.25 34.25 34.25 34.25 34.25 34.25
11.3
34.25
22.5
25.5
23.0
10.0
33.00
July 2008
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.6 Ranked List of Recommended Potential Pedestrian Projects, Continued
Rank
Map ID
Facility Name
Multi-Use Path
28
76 along power line
easement
83 Jabez Jones Road
30
53 McCall Road
31
105
Guyton Rails-ToTrails (underway)
Springfield 116 Elementary School
Drive Extension
S Effingham High
33
90 School woodland
path
34
80 Courthouse Road
35
60
Wylly /High Bluff/ Tommy Long Road
36
119 Standard Lane
87 Nease Road
38
103 Anderson Street
39
104 Gracen Road
106 Magnolia Street
111
Ash Street / Ash Street Extension
112 E Madison Street
121
W 1st Street Extension
125
E 9th Street (Rincon)
Extents
Courthouse Road to SR 119
SR 17 to SR 30
SR 21 to Blue Jay Road (Blanford Rd)
Downtown Guyton
Early Street to Spring ES driveway entrance
Richmond Drive to back of HS (between baseball and football field) SR 17 to Stagecoach Avenue Long Bridge Road to End SR 119 to Old Tusculum Road SR 30 to St. Matthew's Road SR 17 to Magnolia Street SR 119 to Summer Place SR 119 to Anderson Street
S Laurel Street to Early Street
Laurel Street to N Ash Street
SR 21 to SR 119
SR 21 to Lexington Avenue
Details / Justification
This multi-use path project provides a scenic non-vehicular connection between a large residential area and nearby middle and high schools via a power line easement. The segment of SR 119 adjacent to the two schools has a spike in vehicular incidents at times corresponding to the start and end of the school day. Providing more non-automobile options to get to school will improve the safety of students, their parents, and other drivers utilizing SR 119 between Springfield and Guyton.
Adding pedestrian and bicycle facilities will help neighborhood kids get to the middle school and high school without having to navigate local highways by car. This is a safety improvement as well as an integral part of the overall bicycle and pedestrian network.
McCall Road is a fairly high traffic volume road with a number of residences, schools, and nearby recreational and commercial destinations. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities are needed to safely connect neighborhoods to elementary school and park. McCall road has higher vehicular crash rate than other roads of identical functional class and the addition of wide shoulders and sidewalks can potentially help to make the road safer via mode substitution for short and mid-length trips.
This project is already under construction, and provides an exciting recreational opportunity in the middle of the City of Guyton. Expanded southward into Meldrim, this rails-to-trails project also constitutes a viable bicycle commuter route.
Extending Ash St northward (to the left side of the Armory) to Early Street will provide a direct connection between homes and residences in the area and downtown Springfield. This is an essential link in creating a more connected street network on the northern side of town and reducing dependency on automobiles for local trips.
Adding a path through the woods would connect neighborhoods to middle and high school without forcing teenagers to drive on state highways, thus improving roadway safety. Consider pursuing this as a local project, potentially utilizing a boardwalk to traverse any area wetlands.
Extending Courthouse Road to the Stagecoach Avenue off of Sand Hill Road will provide greater regional connectivity, allowing better citizen access to a major recreation center.
A sidewalk on this road allows nearby residents to safely access both schools and recreational opportunities in the area without a vehicle.
This roadway segment is recommended to include sidewalks as it will provide direct pedestrian connectivity between neighborhoods, a school, hospital, and park.
This sidewalk will allow neighborhood children to safely walk down a neighborhood throughstreet to access the nearby high school and middle school.
This is a key segment of integrated pedestrian network in Guyton, and connects an elementary school to a park, and local residents to both.
This is a key segment of integrated pedestrian network in Guyton, and connects an elementary school to a park, and local residents to both.
This is a key segment of integrated pedestrian network in Guyton, and safely connects residents to multiple parks as well as area business located along SR 119.
One of several streets highlighted in Springfield to provide N-S city street connectivity. Ultimately a block-by-block local pedestrian and bicycle plan should be developed by the City of Springfield, but highlighted improvements serve as a preliminary guide to potential multimodal upgrades.
One of several streets highlighted in Springfield to provide E-W city street connectivity. Ultimately a block-by-block local pedestrian and bicycle plan should be developed by the City of Springfield, but highlighted improvements serve as a preliminary guide to potential multimodal upgrades.
A sidewalk is needed in front of the hospital and Veteran's Park to provide connectivity between them and downtown Springfield's commericial areas, neighborhoods, and community facilities.
One of several streets highlighted in Rincon to provide E-W city street connectivity. Ultimately a block-by-block local pedestrian and bicycle plan should be developed by the City of Rincon, but highlighted improvements serve as a preliminary guide to potential multi-modal upgrades.
Pedestrian Improvement
Multi-Use Path
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Multi-Use Path
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Multi-Use Path
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Length (miles)
2.76
1.04
3.38
0.74 0.33
0.35 2.34 2.34 0.91 0.55 0.29 0.45 0.85 1.97
0.28 0.39 0.18
Total Score 68.5
68.5
63.5
62.5 59.5
58.5 55.5 47.0 47.0 43.0 37.0 37.0 37.0 37.0
37.0 37.0 37.0
Roadway Score
Bike Score
Pedestrian Score
General Score
Pedestrian +General
10.0
25.5
23.0
10.0
33.00
10.0
25.5
23.0
10.0
33.00
10.0
20.5
23.0
10.0
33.00
0.0 22.5
25.5 0.0
23.0 23.0
0.0
22.5 10.0 10.0 10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
0.0
25.5
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
0.0
23.0
23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0
23.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
23.0 23.0 23.0
10.0 10.0
33.00 33.00
10.0
10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0
10.0
33.00
33.00 33.00 33.00 33.00 33.00 33.00 33.00
33.00
10.0 10.0 10.0
33.00 33.00 33.00
July 2008
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Table 6.6 Ranked List of Recommended Potential Pedestrian Projects, Continued
Rank
46
50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Map ID 121
125
7 50 58 72
101
117 127
100 102
15 97 34 35 79 124
9
Facility Name W 1st Street Extension E 9th Street (Rincon) Old Tusculum Road, Segment 2 Long Bridge Road Vale Royal Drive Old Tusculum Road, Segment 1
US 80, Segment 2
SR 119, Segment 3
Fort Howard Road, Segment 3
US 80, Segment 1
US 80, Segment 3
SR 17, Segment 4
SR 30, Segment 1 SR 119, Segment 5
SR 21, Segment 6
SR 17, Segment 3 Carolina Avenuenue (South) Powell Road Extension
Extents
SR 21 to SR 119
SR 21 to Lexington Avenue
SR 21 to Standard Lane Ebenezer Road to 4000 ft N of Wylly Rd McCall Road to Westwood Drive
SR 21 to SR 119 realign (GDOT)
SR 17 to Sandhill Road
SR 21 to Laurel St
SR 21 to McCall Road
SR 17 to Chatham County Line
Sandhill Road to Bulloch County Line
Old Elam Cemetary Road to 1300 ft S of Egypt Ardmore Road Nease Road to Kolic Helmey Road Marion Avenue to Clyo-Kildare Road Shawnee Egypt Road to 500 ft N of Shawnee Road Midland Road to Pound Road W 17th Street to N Ridge Drive
4th Avenue to SR 119 (intersect w/ Little McCall Realignment)
Details / Justification
A sidewalk is needed in front of the hospital and Veteran's Park to provide connectivity between them and downtown Springfield's commericial areas, neighborhoods, and community facilities.
One of several streets highlighted in Rincon to provide E-W city street connectivity. Ultimately a block-by-block local pedestrian and bicycle plan should be developed by the City of Rincon, but highlighted improvements serve as a preliminary guide to potential multi-modal upgrades.
Adding sidewalks to this road will enable children to safely walk to local schools, and allow general pedestrian access to destinations along SR 21 and in downtown Springfield. This improvement would be most effective in combination with projects #72, #121, and #118.
Adding a sidewalk here would provide a pedestrian connection to a recreation area, as well as providing a facility on which children could walk to Ebenezer Middle and Elementary Schools.
This is a central road within a compact existing neighborhood. In combination with project #59, sidewalks along this street segment will help area residents safely access SR 21 commercial and employment opportunities, recreational areas, and a nearby school.
Adding sidewalks to this road will enable children to safely walk to local schools, and allow general pedestrian access to destinations along SR 21 and in downtown Springfield. This improvement would be most effective in combination with projects #7, #121, and #118.
Continuation of widening from Chatham County, terminate at Sand Hill Road (or Old River Road). State bike route. provide facilities (lanes/sidewalks) on all of US 80 within Effingham. Four state bike routes utilize this stretch of road and should have dedicated facilities for safety. All arterials should have sidewalks.
This recommended multi-use path along this roadway segment provides safe, direct multimodal access to Downtown Springfield, and is a continuation of project #78. It also accommodates a State Bike Route.
Ft Howard is an important E-W connector and should be continued west to provide direct access to employment center. Develop road (and RR crossing) as part of DRI. Construct "Complete Street" with bike lanes and sidewalks. Eventually this and parallel roads should connect to future Effingham Parkway.
Four state bike routes utilize this stretch of road and should have dedicated facilities for safety. Additionally, all arterials should have sidewalks as they provide direction connections between many origins and destinations.
Arterials should have sidewalks for multi-modal safety and accessibility. Additionally, facilities for a long distance state bike route are needed as the route continues into Bulloch County to connect with their greenway plan.
SR 17 is the main street in the Egypt community, and adding a short sidewalk will help local residents safely access commercial destinations in the area. Eventually add pedestrian crosswalk and/or signal at Egypt-Ardmore Road to aid in local multimodal mobility. Locate the sidewalk on the northeast side of road.
Many residents in area need to access middle and high schools. Busy road requires separate pedestrian facilities for safety. This is an important link in a continuous pedestrian network.
Adding a sidewalk to the east side of SR 119 will increase pedestrian safety and access to future businesses on SR 21 in vicinity of Clyo.
Providing a short sidewalk will enhance pedestrian access to commercial development and potential transit stops for local residents. Sidewalk is recommended on northeast side of SR 21. This project is located in an environmental justice area where people are more likely to visit destinations through some means other than driving themselves.
This sidewalk connects recommended sidewalk facilities along Midland Road to the multi-use path corridor (#89) in Pineora via SR 17. It is part of an integrated pedestrian network.
This project provides rear access to Lowe's and other development along SR 21 from residential Rincon, reducing the need for local traffic to utilize arterials. It was specifically requested by the Rincon planning department.
Constructing this road will allow local vehicular and pedestrian access to the residential areas of Guyton without forcing vehicular traffic through the busy SR 119 / SR 17 intersection in downtown Guyton. Would be most effective in combination with project # 78 (realignment of Little McCall Road intersection with SR 119).
Pedestrian Improvement
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Multi-Use Path
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on One Side
Length (miles)
0.39
0.18
0.33 1.60 0.29 0.18
4.48
0.43 1.29
0.78 1.09
0.42 3.06 0.68 0.32 0.66 0.69
0.54
Total Score 37.0
37.0
33.0 33.0 33.0 33.0
87.3
61.3 81.3
64.8 59.8
43.3 39.3 33.3 33.3 33.3 75.0
60.5
Roadway Score
0.0
Bike Score
0.0
Pedestrian Score
23.0
General Score
10.0
Pedestrian +General
33.00
0.0
0.0
23.0
10.0
33.00
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0
10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0
33.00 33.00 33.00 33.00
30.0
25.5
23.0
8.8
31.75
0.0
25.5
23.0
8.8
31.75
22.5
25.5
23.0
6.3
29.25
10.0 10.0
25.5 20.5
23.0 23.0
6.3
29.25
6.3
29.25
10.0 10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 22.5
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 20.5
23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0
6.3
29.25
6.3
29.25
6.3
29.25
6.3
29.25
6.3
29.25
5.0
28.00
32.5
0.0
23.0
5.0
28.00
July 2008
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Rank
Map ID
Facility Name
60
9
Powell Road Extension
61
64 Courthouse Road
62
21 Clyo-Kildare Road
63
27 Marion Avenue
64
86 Midland Road
65
57 Stephens Drive
66
59 Westwood Drive
67
17 4th Street
68
23 Fair Street
69
30
Shawnee Road, Segment 1
70
36 Stillwell-Clyo Road
71
109 2nd Street
72
110 3rd Street
73
113 Early Street
74
114 Railroad Avenue
75
120 Stillwell Road
Table 6.6 Ranked List of Recommended Potential Pedestrian Projects, Continued
Extents
4th Avenue to SR 119 (intersect w/ Little McCall Realignment)
SR 21 to SR 17
SR 119 to Marion Avenue
SR 119 to ClyoKildare Road
SR 30 to Rails-toTrails
Goshen Road to McCall Road
Vale Royal Dr to SR 21
Marion Avenue to Stillwell-Clyo Road
Clyo-Stillwell Road to community center
SR 21 to Old Dixie Highway 4th Street to Fair Street
Ash Street to RR Avenue
SR 21 to S Laurel Street
Laurel Street to "Springfield ES Drive Ext" between Ash Street and Lake Dr
W 2nd Street to W 3rd Street
Laurel Street to Ash Street
Details / Justification
Constructing this road will allow local vehicular and pedestrian access to the residential areas of Guyton without forcing vehicular traffic through the busy SR 119 / SR 17 intersection in downtown Guyton. Would be most effective in combination with project # 78 (realignment of Little McCall Road intersection with SR 119).
Many neighborhoods are located along Courthouse Road and sidewalks would more safely connect residents to Springfield and parks. Currently, vehicles travel along this road in numbers and at speeds that make it unsafe for pedestrians to share the road with them.
Local pedestrian connectivity, access to SR 119. Most effective in combination with projects #27, #34, and #17
A sidewalk is recommended for the eastern side of the street to aid in pedestrian safety and connectivity to SR 119. Several fatal vehicular incidents occurred in vicinity, and adding a sidewalk may reduce the chance of pedestrian involvement or give a vehicle an additional correction buffer.
Adding a pedestrian facilities along Midland Road will help people to access to future commercial nodes as well as subdivisions, schools, and recreational areas. It is an important piece of a large-scale pedestrian network that will be necessary as the county expands. Minimally, right-of-way should be preserved and sidewalks could be implemented on one side at a time, beginning with the northernmost section accommodating existing neighborhoods between Courthouse Road and SR 17.
A sidewalk is needed to provide a pedestrian connection between Goshen Road and McCall Road without having to utilize SR 21. This road helps areas residents to access a nearby park and elementary school.
This is a central road within a compact existing neighborhood. In combination with project #58, sidewalks along this street segment will help area residents safely access SR 21 commercial and employment opportunities, recreational areas, and a nearby school.
4th Street is a primary street in Clyo. Adding a sidewalk to it will provide a continuous connection between future pedestrian facilities on Marion Avenue and Stillwell-Clyo Road. Locate sidewalk on south side of 4th Street, and build in combination with project #36.
Adding a sidewalk to this road will provides opportunity for area residents to access Clyo community center safely, and helps to address environmental justice issues in this lowincome part of the county.
Paving this street provides opportunity for area residents to access SR 21 and community facilities in Shawnee. Also provides pedestrian safety if #31 built as the road may experience slight increase in traffic.
Stillwell-Clyo Rd is a local direct travel route with fast-moving vehicles. Adding a sidewalk on the west side of the street will help Clyo residents safely access the community center on Fair St
One of several streets highlighted in Springfield to provide E-W city street connectivity. Ultimately a block-by-block local pedestrian and bicycle plan should be developed by the City of Springfield, but highlighted improvements serve as a preliminary guide to potential multimodal upgrades.
One of several streets highlighted in Springfield to provide E-W city street connectivity. Ultimately a block-by-block local pedestrian and bicycle plan should be developed by the City of Springfield, but highlighted improvements serve as a preliminary guide to potential multimodal upgrades.
One of several streets highlighted in Springfield to provide E-W city street connectivity. Ultimately a block-by-block local pedestrian and bicycle plan should be developed by the City of Springfield, but highlighted improvements serve as a preliminary guide to potential multimodal upgrades.
One of several streets highlighted in Springfield to provide N-S city street connectivity. Ultimately a block-by-block local pedestrian and bicycle plan should be developed by the City of Springfield, but highlighted improvements serve as a preliminary guide to potential multimodal upgrades.
One of several streets highlighted in Springfield to provide E-W city street connectivity. Ultimately a block-by-block local pedestrian and bicycle plan should be developed by the City of Springfield, but highlighted improvements serve as a preliminary guide to potential multimodal upgrades.
Pedestrian Improvement
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Sidewalks on One Side
Sidewalks on Both Sides
Length (miles)
0.54 8.35 0.09 0.69
8.38
0.58 0.46 0.22 0.32 1.05 0.58 0.34
0.63
0.35
0.07
0.36
Total Score 60.5 52.0 42.0 42.0
42.0
38.0 38.0 32.0 32.0 32.0 32.0 32.0
32.0
32.0
32.0
32.0
Roadway Score
Bike Score
Pedestrian Score
General Score
Pedestrian +General
32.5
0.0
23.0
5.0
28.00
10.0 10.0 10.0
14.0 0.0 0.0
23.0 23.0 23.0
5.0
28.00
5.0
28.00
5.0
28.00
10.0
0.0
23.0
10.0
0.0
10.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 23.0
5.0
28.00
5.0
28.00
5.0
28.00
5.0
28.00
5.0
28.00
5.0
28.00
5.0
28.00
5.0
28.00
5.0
28.00
5.0
28.00
5.0
28.00
5.0
28.00
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Recommended Policies
In addition to the project list, which supports the goals of the transportation plan, a number of policies will help Effingham to attain its vision of being inclusive, sustainable, and supportive of the environment and continued high quality of life. These policies can be incorporated into the Effingham County Comprehensive Plan, future Transportation Plan, local ordinances, and departmental guidelines as appropriate at the discretion of Effingham County or local jurisdictions and governing bodies. The policies are beneficial to the community as a whole in understanding the relationship between transportation and other comprehensive planning elements.
Multi-Modal Connectivity, Mobility, and Access
To have a balanced transportation system that accommodates and provides choices for all users, it is necessary to have connected and accessible multi-modal networks. The following policies can assist in working towards this goal:
Follow a policy of "Complete Streets" whereby provisions are made for automobiles, bicyclists, transit users, and pedestrians on every major transportation project. If it is not feasible to construct multi-modal facilities due to lack of current need or financial resources, preserve right-of-way so that they can be constructed in the future.
Establish guidelines for ensuring bicycle and pedestrian connectivity between neighborhoods and adjacent land uses, which are often within close proximity but do not provide convenient access to pedestrians. This could include roadway design or short paths that link the areas.
Update the zoning code to require that certain commercial and mixed-use land development projects include bicycle parking facilities and other bicycle-related amenities.
Develop and promote education, enforcement and awareness programs to encourage bicycling and walking, advance safety and awareness for cyclists, walkers and drivers, and understand the rules of sharing right-of-way.
Travel Demand Management (TDM)
Travel Demand Management refers to a series of strategies that increase transportation system efficiency by lessening the number of vehicles using the transportation network, particularly roadways that are already strained beyond their capacity. TDM tactics include programs to increase usage of travel modes other than single occupant vehicles, employer-based programs such as flex-time or telecommuting, carpools, vanpools, and economic incentives. Rising energy prices and the negative environmental impact of many forms of transportation further underscore the need for effective TDM strategies, including the following:
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Encourage mixed-use development patterns via the future land use plan and zoning code(s) for the purpose of reducing automobile travel trip demand as well as vehicle miles traveled. Within appropriate locations, improve the balance between employment, housing, recreational, commercial, and other activities.
Ensure that bicycle, pedestrian, and transit networks are at least as effective and convenient as automobiles.
Implement access management along high-volume corridors.
Encourage area employers to offer incentives for commuter alternative mode usage.
Use traffic calming techniques along local roads where speeding is a concern, such as on- street parking, narrower widths, roundabouts, street trees, and speed humps.
Access Management
Access management focuses on the process of balancing access to property with the desire to preserve efficient through-movement. As development increases along a roadway, effective systems should combine and reduce street access points to increase public safety, extend the life of the roadway, reduce congestion, support alternative modes of transportation, and improve roadway character.
Fund and complete corridor-specific access management plans along SR 21, SR 119, US 80, and other roads of high functional classification. The purpose of these plans is to develop implementable access management solutions as well as provide guidance to future land development access issues.
Limit number of driveways per property, and locate them on lowest adjacent functionally classified road.
Require interparcel connectivity by linking adjacent parking areas and walkways.
Define minimum and maximum spacing of access points (both cross-streets and driveways) to provide a balance between efficient vehicle movement and multi-modal connectivity. For instance, pedestrian access points should be spaced between 200 and 500 feet apart, whereas intersections along arterials should be at least 1000 feet apart. Collector and local streets with lower design speeds can have more closely spaced intersections and driveways than arterials. Along high-volume roads, provide protected pedestrian crossing facilities at each signalized intersection.
Parking
While discussion of the storage of roadway vehicles is appropriate in a transportation plan, parking is most effectively addressed by ordinances governing urban design, land use, zoning, and development. Parking is the proverbial tail that wags the dog: provision of parking facilities and access to them often dictate the site layout and potential building footprints for any new construction.
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
To encourage multi-modal access to destinations and positively address other planning areas such as aesthetics of public space, economic development, housing affordability, and stormwater management, there are a number of guidelines concerning parking facilities that can be implemented, and which are important even in rural areas:
Locate off-street parking in new developments behind or to the side of buildings. The majority of surface parking spaces should not be visible from roads. Directional signage can be used to assist patrons in locating vehicle parking areas as necessary.
All local streets in commercial, mixed-use, or more dense residential areas (>8 dwelling units per acre) should have on-street parking on at least one side.
Encourage businesses and organizations with different peak demand times to share parking areas whenever possible. Commuter park-and-ride lots can also utilize shared parking arrangements, particularly with churches or retail centers with excess weekday parking capacity.
Implement maximum parking space requirements for all new developments and reduce or remove minimum requirements.
Require the installation of bicycle parking racks in multi-family housing and all other non- residential developments according to a minimum ratio (to be determined) with motor vehicle spaces. For medium/large employers, encourage the creation/labeling of carpool spaces that are easily accessible to building entry/exit points to provide incentive for employee ridesharing.
Promote the use of permeable or semi-permeable parking surfaces throughout the county to help control stormwater run-off and reduce negative impact to water quality.
To minimize driveway access points, reduce impervious surface, assist with housing affordability, and enhance the small-town character of residences: encourage shared driveways; reduce construction of attached, front-facing garages; and/or provide rear (alley) entry or set-back vehicle storage areas.
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
Intelligent Transportation Systems utilize technology to improve transportation system operations. ITS includes infrastructure applications to manage arterials, incidents, tolling, information, safety, general roadway operations, and emergency vehicle movement. Though Effingham is a primarily rural county, current commuting patterns and future growth rates will necessitate the use of some ITS strategies to make more efficient use of transportation infrastructure, preferably prior to investing in expensive upgrades and new projects. The following strategies could be utilized in Effingham for this purpose:
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 6. Recommended Projects and Policies
Interconnect and coordinate all traffic signals in proximity to each other. For instance, implementing a coordinated and adaptive system along SR 21 may increase the effective capacity of this corridor.
Provide traffic signal preemption for emergency vehicles.
Provide information to travelers about congestion, route closings, and transit options. Implement a ridesharing/matching program in concert with new transit service. Information can be provided via the internet, 511, radio, kiosks, etc.
Install warning signs for railroad crossings and in areas where roadway geometry is an identified safety issue.
Urban Design, Planning, and Zoning Tools
Urban design and streetscape guidelines are powerful tools to inform would-be developers of the desired character of a place. Defining roadway cross sections, building height ranges, architectural materials, and placement of streetscape features such as trees and lighting will help places to maintain their current charm as they grow. If detailed guidelines are employed in cities, it will be necessary to implement some level of design guidance and/or development restriction in unincorporated parts of the county to prevent builders from locating just outside city limits and contributing to sprawl, if current suburban style infrastructure patterns are continued. In Effingham, "character areas" have already been defined as part of the Comprehensive Plan effort. The physical attributes of these character areas must be described and enforced through zoning and development codes to be meaningful. Additional tools such as the use of "Transfer of Development Rights" (TDR) can be used to maintain rural areas and farms, guiding future new construction towards already-developed areas while still compensating rural landowners who wish to sell [development rights associated with] their property to builders.
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 7. Financial Resources
funds can be used on any roadway classified above a local road or a rural minor collector. The STP funds require a minimum 20 percent match.
STP Enhancement A set-aside for transportation enhancement activities, such as providing facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians, landscaping and historic preservation. A minimum of 10percent of each state's overall STP allocation must be used for such projects. GDOT programs these funds on a statewide basis using a competitive submittal and evaluation process
Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) A newly established core program (pulled from the STP core program) with flexibility provided to allow states and regions to target funds to their most critical safety needs. About 10 percent of the total amount available will be distributed to the railway-highway crossing program, with another set-aside annually for construction and operational improvements on high-risk rural roads.
Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program Provides funding for any public bridge replacement or rehabilitation. Included in this category are funds for both on and off Federal-aid system bridges.
High Priority Projects Program Provides designated funding for specific projects identified by Congress (commonly referred to as earmarks). The designated funding can only be used for the project as described in the law.
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program Provides funding for projects contributing to attainment of national ambient air quality standards in areas that do not meet the national standards (non-attainment areas) as well as former non-attainment areas that are now in compliance (maintenance areas). Types of projects eligible for CMAQ funds include transit improvements, shared-ride services, traffic flow improvements, TDM strategies, pedestrian and bicycle facilities and programs, and alternative fuel programs. Up to 10 percent of a state's CMAQ apportionment may be dedicated to safety and traffic operations projects and financed 100 percent federally. The remaining CMAQ funds require a minimum 20 percent match.
Safe Routes to School Federal funds are available for pedestrian and bicycle projects within two miles of a school. These funds are distributed through GDOT and are available for grades kindergarten through eight. Schools must develop and implement a plan which includes a program for promoting bicycling and walking and any proposed infrastructure projects. Funding is available to a maximum of $10,000 per school for development, $500,000 for infrastructure such as sidewalks or crosswalks, and $10,000 for non-infrastructure such as publicity. The funding is limited to $16 million through 2009.
New Starts Program: FTA Section 5309 Provides funding for new fixed guideway transit facilities which utilize and occupy a separate right-of-way, or rail line, for the exclusive use of mass transportation and other high occupancy vehicles, or uses a fixed centenary system and
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 7. Financial Resources
a right-of-way usable by other forms of transportation. This includes, but is not limited to, rapid rail, light rail, commuter rail, automated guideway transit, people movers, and exclusive facilities for buses (such as bus rapid transit) and other high occupancy vehicles. Funds are awarded by FTA through a competitive process to eligible transit agencies. Funds are programmed by the recipient transit agency. According to a new federal regulation, the match required for transit New Starts funds will be 50 percent of the project cost.
Grants for Transportation for Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities: FTA Section 5310 Discretionary funds to provide transit services for these population groups. Funds are awarded by FTA and programmed by the Georgia DHR. A 10 percent match is required for expenditures related to Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, with a 20 percent match is required for all other expenditures in this funding category.
Rural and Small Urban Areas: FTA Section 5311 Provides formula funding to states for the purpose of supporting public transportation in areas of less than 50,000 population. Funds may be used for capital, operating, and administrative assistance. The maximum Federal share for capital and project administration is 80 percent (except for projects to meet the requirement of the ADA, the CAAA, or bicycle access projects, which may be funded at 90 percent.) The maximum Federal share for operating assistance is 50 percent of the net operating costs. The local share is 50 percent.
The Rural Transit Assistance Program: FTA Section5311(b) Provides a source of funding to assist in the design and implementation of training and technical assistance projects and other support services tailored to meet the needs of transit operators in non-urbanized areas. Funds may be used for capital, operating, and administrative purposes. There is no Federal requirement for a local match.
Clean Fuels Formula Grant Program: FTA Section 5308 Provides funding for the purchase of alternative fuel transit vehicles, the conversion of existing vehicles to alternative fuels, and the development of facilities to service clean fuel vehicles. Funds are allocated by FTA on a formula basis and programmed by the recipient transit agency. A minimum of 20 percent match is required.
Job Access and Reverse Commute: FTA, Section 5316 Purpose is to develop transportation services designed to transport welfare recipients and low-income individuals to and from jobs, and to develop transportation services for residents of urban centers and rural and suburban areas to suburban employment opportunities. Emphasis is placed on projects that use mass transportation services. Grants may finance capital projects and operating costs of equipment, facilities, and associated capital maintenance items related to providing access to jobs; promote use of transit by workers with nontraditional work schedules; promote use by appropriate agencies of transit vouchers for welfare recipients and eligible low-income
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 7. Financial Resources
individuals; and promote use of employer-provided transportation including the transit pass benefit program. Typically, a 50 percent local match is required.
New Freedom Program: FTA Section 5317 SAFETEA-LU established a new program of formula-based transit grants, the Section 5317 New Freedom Program. This is part of a larger, government-wide "New Freedom Initiative" formally established in 2001. The New Freedom Initiative is a means to integrate persons with disabilities into the workforce, and into daily community life, through a variety of strategies carried out by the federal departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Education, Justice, Veterans Affairs, and now Transportation. Typically, a 50 percent local match is required.
Growing States and High Density States: FTA Section 5340 SAFETEA-LU established a new program of formula based transit grants called Growing States and High Density States. These funds are distributed into a single apportionment with the 5307 funds. Separate formulas are used to apportion Section 5307 and Section 5340 funds to urbanized areas. Under the 5340 formula, half of the funds are made available under the Growing States factors and are apportioned based on state population forecasts for 15 years beyond the most recent Census. Amounts apportioned for each state are then allocated to urbanized and rural areas based on the state's urban/rural population ratio. The High Density States factors distribute the other half of the funds to urbanized areas with population densities greater than 370 people per square mile. The distribution or sub-allocation of Sections 5307 and 5340 funds within an urbanized area is typically a local responsibility.
Recreational Trails Program Provides funds to develop and maintain recreational trails for motorized and non-motorized recreational trail users. Funds are programmed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
State Funding Sources
The State of Georgia collects two types of taxes on motor fuels to help fund transportation infrastructure projects. Currently, it also has in place a bond program.
Fuel Excise Tax A fee or tax based on the volume (gallons) of fuel purchased. The amount of the excise tax on gasoline is 7.5 cents per gallon. Since this tax is based solely on the volume of gasoline sold, it is not indexed to inflation. Revenues increase only with an increase in roadway usage, and revenue increases from travel are offset due to improved engine technology and higher fuel efficiency of vehicles.
Prepaid State Tax A 4 percent sales tax on the average retail price of fuel, whereby 3 percent is dedicated to transportation and the remaining 1 percent goes to the State General Fund for other uses. Revenues from the motor fuel sales tax rise and fall with the price of gasoline.
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Chapter 7. Financial Resources
Fast Forward Bond Program The Fast Forward program is a $15.5 billion state transportation program announced by Governor Sonny Perdue in 2004. The core of the program is designed to relieve traffic congestion and consists of about $4.5 billion of projects which will have construction dates accelerated through the sale of bonds. The remainder of the Fast Forward program is assigned to other GDOT projects. It is important to note that these bonds are not a new source of funding. The bonds act as new cash flow mechanisms allowing the state to borrow money to fund projects in the short-term. These funds will be paid back over the long term from the same funding sources traditionally used to pay for transportation infrastructure. Short-term congestion relief projects include ITS, Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO) Expansion, ramp metering, signal timing and synchronization upgrades; long-term congestion relief includes HOV lanes and new transit corridors; and economic development improvements include interstate capacity improvements.
State Transportation Infrastructure Bank (STIB) Created by the Georgia legislature in 2008, the STIB is a revolving loan fund that cities, counties, transit operators, and Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) can use for transportation projects. Operated by the Georgia State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) and with initial funding of $50 million, STIB money will be distributed to projects based on criteria that promote economic development and provide "gap financing" for project completion, as drafted by an oversight taskforce. Eligible projects will include roads, bridges, transit vehicles and facilities, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, rail, and airports.
Additional Transportation Revenue SAFETEA-LU also offers additional opportunities to establish public-private partnerships and tolling for expediting the implementation of transportation facilities.
Local Funding Sources
Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) A Special Local Option Sales Tax can be levied by any Georgia county for the purpose of raising money to build and maintain transportation and other public facility improvements. SPLOSTs must undergo and pass a voter referendum, and can add up to two percent to the existing county sales tax. SPLOSTs typically have five- year horizons, at which point they must be reauthorized by voters.
Tax Allocation District (TAD) A Tax Allocation District is a strategy for funding infrastructure projects in a limited area targeted for accelerated growth. A TAD finances infrastructure projects from the growth of property taxes based on new development and increased property values. Establishing a TAD and creating a plan for the district can spark redevelopment in the TAD area, which in turn serves to finance TAD bond funds. Funds can be spent on transportation and non-transportation projects in the TAD area. TADs are an appropriate tool for financing some types of transportation projects, especially in connection with the denser redevelopment of a particular area such as an activity center.
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Multi-Modal Transportation Study for Effingham County
Chapter 7. Financial Resources
Community Improvement District (CID) A Community Improvement District is a strategy for funding infrastructure projects in a limited area at the discretion of existing commercial property owners. CIDs are essentially self-taxing areas, where property owners organize to raise funds to improve property values in the area. CIDs may organize to market an area, increase safety, and collect and use funds for all types of transportation projects. CIDs are an innovative source of funding for transportation projects with the scope of their activities limited by property owner interests and a defined geographic area.
Impact Fees Impact fees are one-time fees charged in association with a new development and are designed to cover part of the cost of providing public facilities to support the development. The impact fee amount charged to a particular development must be directly tied to the amount of new infrastructure the development will require. Impact fees are tied to a specific capital improvement program so that it is clear which projects the impact fees will finance. In short, impact fees are effective in tying financing for new transportation infrastructure to new development.
Future Potential Funding Sources
The potential for areas of the county to fall into the Savannah urbanized area at the next census may, at that time, open up additional funding sources that are eligible to urban areas. These include:
Surface Transportation Program (STP Urban) This federal program applies to projects in urban areas with a population greater than 50,000.
Urbanized Area Formula Program: FTA Section 5307 Provides funding for capital investment, operating and planning assistance within the urbanized area. These funds may be sub- allocated to other transit service providers. Funds are programmed by the individual transit agencies. A match of 10 percent is required for expenditures related to CAAA and ADA compliance and a 20 percent match is required for all other expenditures in this funding category.
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