Fiscal year 1989 annual report [1989]

:. The Georgia Department or Transportation .. :
All Systems Go
Fiscal Year 1989 Annual Re art.

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Fiscal Year 1989:
pagel Transmittal Letter

page 2 Transportation Board

page 3 Decade Review

Highlights of The Year:

page 5 "Freeing the Freeways" page 7 Governor's Road
Improvement Program
page 9 Corridor Z Completion
Division Highlights:
page 11 Administration page13 Construction pagel5 Operations pagel7 Planning & Programming pagel9 Preconstruction
Finances and Statistics:
page 21 Financial and Statistical Information

From the word go, the Georgia DOT is always at work to ensure Georgians the safe and efficient transportation system they need, and as taxpayers, inherently deserve.
Whether designing bridges, building new roads, maintaining the publicly owned airports, upgrading state waterways and ports or planning for Georgia's transportation needs of the next 20 years, the DOT is always striving to help create a better Georgia.
Fiscal Year 1989 saw Georgia's transportation system grow and flourish, just as the state prepared to move into the 19905. Yet, as in years past, the DOT held firm that fiscal 1989's highlights were not singular or exclusive achievements; rather they were part of a wellorganized plan to continue advancements in the state's transportation system into a new decade, the 21st century and beyond.

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Function of the Georgia DOT:

The Georgia DOT is the state agency responsible for meeting the transportation needs of the state.

Departmental Organizational Chart

Specifically, the DOT builds and maintains the state's interstates and state routes, all of which comprise the State Highway System, and monitors Georgia's railroad system as part of a regional and national network of rail service.
In addition, the DOT coordinates and monitors airport development projects at the state's publicly owned air transportation facilities and aids in the growth and development of the state's ports and waterways.

Governor

As of June 30, 7989

People

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General Assembly

State Transportation Board
T
Commissioner
Tr
r

ISecretary to the Board/ Executive Assistant I

State Highway Engineer

Deputy Commissioner

Treasurer

Engineering Services

Planning and Programming

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Preconstruction
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Construction
T

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Operations

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Administration
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I--- Programming

I-- Bridge and Structural Design

I--- Construction

I--- Maintenance

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Audits & Fiscal Procedures

I---

Personnel

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Planning

I-- Environment! Location

Contracts f-- Administration

- Traffic Engineering & Safety

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General Accounting

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Public Affairs

......-.. Planning Data services

- Right - of - Way

L.....-.. Materials and Research

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Utilities

- - General Support Services

Systems Development

Plan I-- Development

Road & Airport I-- Design

I--- Permits and Enforcement

""-- Air Transportation ""----

State Aid

Public I - Transportation

L...- Urban Design

I-- Equipment Management

I-- Aeronautics

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' - - Policy Planning

Reid Districts

1. Gainesville 2. Tennille 3. Thomaston 4. Tifton

5. Jesup 6. Cartersville 7. Chamblee

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Tra nsmitta l Letter.

Hal Rives Commissioner

Dear Governor Harris:
I present the Department of Transportation's Fiscal Year 1989 Annual Report to you, taking great pride in the hard work and accomplishments this report represents.
As you know, the DOT strives for the advancement and betterment of Georgia through superior transportation and this year was no exception. In fact , Fiscal Year 1989 was perhaps one of the busiest and most productive 12-month periods in the DOT's 73-year history, as we operated the Department with an "a ll systems go" attitude.
Fiscal 1989 was extremely active as our past transportation achievements were complemented by upgrades and additions. Curre nt projects kept us fast at work and through our continuing efforts , Georgia has developed one of the most efficient transportation systems in the United States - and quite possibly the world.
During the year we not only completed the "Freeing the Freeways" interstate program in the Atlanta area, but we also put the finishing touches on Corridor Z in south Georgia , a highway a lready bringing economic growth to the southern part of the state and a vita l link in your Governor's Road Improvement Program .
As we enter into the 1990s, the DOT will continue to be on the go to ensure the citizens of our state a safe, reliable and state-of-the-art transportation network that will help move Georgia forward , not just into a new decade, but into a future whose transportation outlook shines brighter than ever.
Hal Rives, Commissioner
Georgia DOT
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State Transportation Board-

Representing each of Georgia's ten congressional districts. the members of the State Transportation Board of Georgia serve as the governing body for the Department of Transportation. Each of the ten members acts on behalf of the constituents In his district when deciding where transportation dollars will be spent.
The beginnings of the Transportation Board date back to 1919 when a three-member Board was appointed by the governor to oversee the newly formed Georgia State Highway Department. The Board was re-organlzed over the years. until In 1950.the Georgia General Assembly voted to eliminate gubernatorial control of the selection process fo r Board members by establishing a three-member Board voted on by General Assembly members. The three-member full-time Board was replaced by a ten-rnember Board In 1963.
Created to provide general control of the Georgia DOT, the Transportation Board has the authority to appoint the commissioner of transportation. In addition. the Board designates those public roads to be Included wlthln the State Highway System. approves negotiated construction contracts and authorizes lease agreements as well as non -negotiated construction contracts. The Board Is challenged wlth confirming nominees for deputy commissioner. state highway engineer and treasurer as well as approving all long-ra nge plans and programs for the Department.
Fiscal 1989 was a watershed year for the Transportation Board. As part of the Governor's Road Improvement Program , the Board oversaw significant work on the Appalachian Developmental Highway In addition to completion of the east-west Corridor Z route and Atlanta 's 'Freeing the Freeways' program. During the year the Board approved a major statewlde rail study and kept a keen eye turned toward on-going port/harbor Improvement projects In Brunswlck and Savannah.
In fiscal 1989the Board welcomed Augusta attorney James Lester as Its newest member. Lester replaced long-time Board member Tom C . Carr . who d id not seek re-election. Also. Decatur banker Steve Reynolds was elected to another five-year term on the Board In addition to being elected by his peers on the Board to serve as the group's chairman for another one-year term . Frank Morast of the Third District was elected vice chairman.

James Lester
Tenth DIItrIct
steve Reynolds Ninth DIstrict
James Conner Eighth District
otis Brumby seventh District
Max Goldin Sixth District

Downing Musgrov

BIIy Langdale

Frank Morast

Wlilam Evans

Irst DIstrIct

Second DIstrict

Third DIsbIct

Fourth DIstrict

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The Decade 1.980 - 1989.

Decade Review
"Georgia ended the decade as one of the fastest grOWing
states in the nation. With that growth, Georgians found
themselves increasingly dependent on the state's transpor-
tation network."

The close of Fiscal Year 1989 brought to an end one of the most productive and challenging decades ever for the Georgia D~partment of Transportation. The decade was productive when measuring actual accomplishments, yet challenging as the DOT worked harder with fewer personnel and declining state and federal funding.
Georgia ended the decade as one of the fastest growing states in the nation. With that growth, Georgians found themselves increasingly dependent on the state's transportation network. That increased dependence on transportation called for both improvements and expansion: improvements to existing segments of the network and expansion of the network in areas of the state where population growth had outstripped transportation facilities.
The Georgia DOT pledged itself to meeting those improvement and expansion needs by intensifying its focus on the state's four main modes of transport: air, rail, water and highway.
The decade's air transportation highlights included the initiation and/or completion of 41 projects to expand and improve public airport service during Fiscal Year 1982 and a complete inspection of 100 percent of Georgia's public airports in Fiscal Year 1983,
Rail transportation, one of the state's oldest forms of transit, remained important during the 1980's, In Fiscal Year 1985, the Department completed the State Rail Plan, a detailed report on the state's rail system including projected needs, Additionally, rail line rehabilitation remained at the forefront of rail service during the decade,
The state's waterways and ports became an increasing aspect of concern as the 1980's ended. The Department spent $6 million on Savannah Harbor improvements in fiscal 1985 and one year later completed plans for the replacement of the Talmadge Bridge across the Savannah River. In Fiscal Year 1988, the Talmadge Replacement Project began as did studies aimed at improving Brunswick Harbor by replacing the Sidney Lanier Bridge.
Undoubtedly, the greatest area of growth during the decade was in highway and interstate upgrades and expansion. The DOT completed new interstates such as 185, 575 and 675 and completed Atlanta's tremendous 'Freeing the Freeways' program entailing the largest contracts ever let by the DOT. Other highway firsts included the development and implementation of a nationally recognized 14-corridor program of economic development highways to spur growth by increasing accessibility to the State Highway System.
Though these highlights provide only a glimpse of the 1980's, they do signal a great deal of promise for the next decade. Indeed, if the best indication of what is to come can be seen in reflecting on what has gone before, then Georgia can look forward to so much more than a transportation status quo; for Georgians in the 1990's, the status is all systems go.

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The 1980's were characterized by expansion of Georgia's transportation network at every level. Improvements at Georgia airports reached new heights, above, as d id those on state highways, at right. Rail transportation continued to be an economic key for Georgia, lower right , as was the activity generated by the state 's ports and waterways, left and lower left .
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Highlights of the Year.

"Freeing the Freeways"
"Recognized as the biggest urban interstate project in the nation at that time,
'Freeing the Freeways' included reconstruction of the
122 miles of Atlanta's metropolitan interstates, 1-20, 75,85 and 285."

Atlanta area interstates. once clogged and congested with an overwhelming amount of traffic, are now flowing at a constant, even rate after this year's successful completion of the Georgia DOT's 'Freeing the Freeways' metropolitan interstate reconstruction program.
The June 1989 road completion marked the conclusion of the 12-year reconstruction program, which was initiated to rid the city of unnecessary traffic tie-ups and make the interstates more 'user friendly.'
Due to Atlanta's phenomenal population growth in the late 1960s and early 19705, compounded by the fact that traffic projections on the original metropolitan system were 100 percent low, the interstates had been exposed to an onslaught of heavy traffic - that was predicted to get much heavier with Atlanta's continued growth.
In an effort to alleviate the traffic gridlocks and to improve safety on the interstates, the DOT in 1978 instituted the 'Freeing the Freeways' program. Recognized as the biggest urban interstate project in the nation at that time, 'Freeing the Freeways' included reconstruction of the 122 miles of Atlanta's metropolitan interstates, 1-20, 75, 85 and 285.
Because of the high level of motorist-dependency on the interstates comprising Atlanta's transportation system, the metropolitan interstates were left open during the reconstruction process. In leaving the roads open, the DOT and construction crews had to work around much traffic and had to schedule lane closures for work during off-peak driving hours.
The project not only included road widenings and the addition of concrete medians, but also featured dramatic safety improvements on the interstates. In fact, when the reconstruction projects began, the accident rates in most areas dropped, while driving speeds on many sections actually increased.
The $1.4 billion needed to reconstruct the interstates was provided by the federal government's Interstate Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Program, with the state government matching 10 percent of the total bill.
With the completion of the 'Freeing the Freeways' program and other improvements now underway, Atlantans, as well as Georgians can look forward to the city's future growth, being assured of travel with minimal traffic slowdowns and increased safety features added to the metropolitan interstates.

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A complete revamping ot Atlanta 's Williams Street Interchange was vital to the ' Freeing the Freeways ' program. At tar left Is the Interchange alte r rec onstruc tion. The Inset shows the Interch a nge while work was underway.

DeKalb County's Tom More land Interchange Is shown at right . This merger ot Interstates 85 and 285 north ot Atlanta was completely rebuilt to direct trattlc more smoothly. Below , sig ns helped d irect mo torists through the web ot lane changes that were necessary to complete the historic ' Free ing the Freew ay s' effort.

Map Not to SCale

ANanta Area Interstate

Reconstruction Program

Statu s A s of Aprtl J , 1989

(I 20 75 65 8< 265)

Completed
Under Construction _

1-20 East not Inc luded In the original 'Freelng
the Freeways- Program [i\\\\,D

1978-89

Maps, like the on e shown above, we re periodically updated and Issued throughout the reconstruction effo rt to keep the press a nd public Intormed.
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Ig Ig S 0 e ear.

Governor's Road
Improvement Program
"The road improvement program, esti-
mated to cost $3.3 billion, would provide 1,757 miles of four-lane highways throughout the state and would place 98 percent of the state
within 20 miles of a
four-lane road. "

The Governor's Road Improvement Program (GRIP) is a system of four-lane developmental highways planned by the Department of Transportation to address Georgia's growing need for improved highways. Governor Joe Frank Harris introduced the program in a pre-legislative forum prior to the 1989 session of the Georgia General Assembly.
The governor and DOT officials concurred that as traffic on Georgia highways continued to increase, improved highway facilities were necessary in order to ensure safety, encourage continued economic growth and satisfy the transportation needs of a growing population. The GRIP program sprang from a previously established DOT program entitled the Economic Developmental Highway System (EDHS).
As of the end of Fiscal Year 1989, Georgia had one of the largest public road systems in the southeast, but had the smallest percentage of rural four-lane primary mileage. The road improvement program, estimated to cost $3.3 billion, would provide 1,757 miles of four-lane highways throughout the state and would place 98 percent of the state within 20 miles of a four-lane road. Additionally, the proposed highway system would serve 92 percent of Georgia's cities with a population of 2,000 or more,
Closer proximity to four-lane roads, the governor and other state officials agreed, would provide economically sluggish areas with greater opportunities to attract industry, business and jobs. Umitations on trucks presently restrict access for many Georgia communities and subsequently limit the areas' economic potential. Most importantly, the multi-lane divided roads proposed by GRIP would be safer than two-lane roads, especially at higher traffic volumes.
Of GRIP's 14 proposed projects, Corridor Z in southwest Georgia was completed during Fiscal Year 1989 and the Appalachian Developmental Corridor in north Georgia was near completion at year's end. Work also progressed well on several of the other corridors, including U.S. 27, U.S. 441, the Golden Isles Parkway and the Fall Une Freeway.
Although the Georgia legislature embraced the concept of the road improvement program during the 1989 session of the General Assembly, further action was pending with respect to garnering the necessary funding.

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The Governor's Road Improvement Program

As 01 June 30. 1989

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The Appalachian Developmental Highway was very close to completion at the end of the nscal year. Shown here , a section of the 70.8 mile-long road , State Route 2, U.S. 76, winds through the foothills of Georgia , east of Blue Ridge In FannIn County.

One stretch of hIgh way rec eiving passing lan es a s part of the GRIP program was Sta te Route 31, U.S. 44 1 In Coffee Co unty .
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Highlights of the Year.

Corridor Z Completion
"Corridor Z, designated as State Route
520, IsJust over 250 miles long and runs through 14 Georgia counties. The route
also serves as the only continuous
four-lane highway moving across the entire southern sec-
tion of the state."

This fiscal year the citizens and businesses of south Georgia received an economic boost as well as a new four-lane roadway when the DOT officially opened the last two miles of construction on Corridor Z. the developmental highway running across the state from Brunswick, on the Georgia coast, to Columbus, near the Alabama border.
The April 1989 road opening near Dawson not only signaled the completion of the final phase of construction on the highway, but It also highlighted the overall Impact the roadway will have on the economy of south Georgia, as well as the entire state.
Corridor Z, designated as State Route 520, Is just over 250 miles long and runs through 14 Georgia counties. The route also serves as the only continuous four-lane highway moving across the entire southern section of the state.
Originally Corridor Z was planned as the Georgia section of a federal highway, railroad and pipeline system that would run from coastal Georgia to Kansas City. Mo. However, because of federal budget restrictions at the time the plan was developed, the project was never completely carried out In all of the states concerned.
Even though the complete project was never given the green light by the federal government. the Georgia DOT believed that Its portion of the highway was essential to the overall economic growth and prosperity of the southern part of the state and decided to move ahead with the project.
Although some sections of Corridor Z were four-Ianed prior to this decade. the first major effort to complete the entire route began In 1980 and continued until 1985 using federal priority primary funds with just over $28.7 million of federal funding.
In 1985. when the federal priority primary funding ended. Gov. Joe Frank Harris and the Georgia General Assembly agreed to provide funds on a yearly basis for developmental highways. allOWing for the completion of Corridor Z and the Appalachian Developmental Highway route In north Georgia. The total cost of the Corridor Z project was approximately $188 million.
To keep Georgia on the go as the state approaches the 1990's, developmental highways, like Corridor Z, are helping the DOT pave the way to a bright and auspicious economic future .

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Georgia 's Corridor Z stretches across 250 miles of the state 's lan dsc a pe. Pictured above Is a seg m en t of the highway In Terrell Cou nty.

The c onstruc tion of Corridor Z brought widened lan es and related Improvem ents to m a ny commun ities. Above, a c urb/gulter crew removes the old c urb on part of the route so a new one c an be bu ilt.

Governor Joe Frank Harris helped cut the ribbon for the last

phase of construcllon on the Corridor Z project. He pra ised

the Department's long-range commitment to encouraging

Corrid or Z/Stat e Route 520 has spurred dev elopment In many areas , Including this part of the route In TIftCounty.

economic growth through the establishment of developmental highways.

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Division Highlights.

Fiscal Year 1989 Administration Division
Highlights
Replaced Cessna 402 aircraft with a Conquest I airplane, reducing costs and Increasing efficiency
Replaced the DOT's aging aerial photography airplane with a faster. turbo-prop plane, Increasing photography output
Executed contract for updating the F.J. Torras tollway facility computer software

With state budqet purse strings pulling tighter and expectations for state government efficiency on the rise, the Georgia DOT's Division of Administration remained in the forefront during fiscal 1989 for its prudent management of a bUdget that neared $990 million. Specifically, the Division provides background support for the Georgia DOT through its functions of purchasing, records management. equipment maintenance in the DOT buildings and financial reporting. The Division also counts among its responsibilities the DOT's Office of Air Transportation and the tollway authority section of the Department.
During the fiscal year, the Office of Air Transportation was abuzz with activity thanks in part to the replacement of one of the DOT's Cessna 402 aircraft, a piston-powered airplane, with a Conquest I aircraft, a turbo-prop airplane. In addition to increasing passenger load capabilities, the turbo-prop airplane is more fuel efficient and can increase altitude and speed faster than the airplane it replaced; overall, the new plane was viewed as a vital link in the departmental effort to modernize its small fleet of aircraft.
In a similar highlight, the Division also replaced its 21-year-old Aero-Commander airplane, an aircraft used for aerial photography. The new turbo-prop airplane acquired for aerial photography can zip to photo sites in less time than the plane it replaced, thus dramatically enhancing the Department's aerial photography output.
In the Division's tollway authority section, the Department entered into a contract to update the computer software used at the tollway facility located on the F.J. Torras Causeway in coastal Glynn County. The streamlined database and computer generated formats helped modernize procedures and increase efficiency at the tollway facility.
A well-organized and well-executed plan for financial management was the Division of Administration's mainstay for fiscal 1989. With that plan firmly entrenched as part of the DOT's philosophy toward transportation projects, Georgia taxpayers are assured effective financial management coupled with sound fiscal procedures.

Modern and efficient aircraft are Instrumental In meeting the transportation needs of departmental and state officials. Pictured above and at right Is the DOT's newest airplane , purchased during Fiscal Year 1989.
Aerial photography Is crucial to the DOT. Overhead photographs, like that of Interstate 75 at left , aide the Department In road construction and Improvements. Shown below Is the F.J. Torras Causeway toll facility, the site of Improved computerized procedures.

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Division Highlights.

Fiscal Year 1989 Construction Division
Highlights
Oversaw the completion of major projects Including south Georgia's Corridor Z, Atlanta's 'Freeing the Freeways" and Widening on Interstate 75 from Atlanta to Tennessee
Monitored numerous on-going construction projects statewide InclUding Savannah's Talmadge Bridge Replacement Project and north Georgia's scenic Appalachian Developmental Highway
Let contracts for new construction on Interstate 20, Interstate 75 and the StatC/' Route 400 Extension

The Division of Construction supervises the construction of Georgia's highways and bridges. Included among the Division's responsibilities are the letting and administering of contracts - ensuring that construction Is completed In accordance with contract specifications. The Division also conducts research and materials testing for the Department.
Fiscal Year 1989 was an historic year for this Division as well as the entire Department wtth the completion of three major projects - south Georgia's east-west Corridor Z, Atlanta's 'Freeing the Freeways' Program and additional lanes on Interstate 75. The Division also monitored on-going construction which Included major projects for the construction of the Appalachian Developmental Highway (APD) In north Georgia, the Talmadge Bridge Replacement Project In Savannah and the widening of Interstate 75 between Atlanta and Macon.
The completion of additional lanes on Interstate 75 In the Department's Cartersville District provided for a six-lane facility from Atlanta to the Tennessee line. The additional lanes which were open to traffic In December 1988 were needed In order to accommodate Increasingly high volumes of traffic.
Improving the link between Georgia's mountainous regions to the rest of the state was the goal of the 70.8 mile-long APD Corridor which was very close to completion at the end of Fiscal Year 1989. The four-lane divided highway extends north from Interstate 575 through Pickens, Gilmer, and Fannin counties to Blairsville In Union County.
The construction of the Talmadge Bridge Replacement Project across the Savannah River also progressed well during the fiscal year with scheduled completion dates of September 1990 for the cable-stayed main-span bridge and June 1991 for the approach bridges and roadway. The new bridge was needed In order to alleviate the restrictions that the old bridge places on ship traffic through the Savannah Harbor.
Included among the noteworthy contracts let during Fiscal Year 1989 were projects designed to keep the traffic flowing through metropolitan Atlanta. Contracts were let for the first projects on the widening of a section of Interstate 20 east of downtown Atlanta; the widening of Interstate 75 In Cobb County and the construction of the State Route 400 extension - a project designed to provide a link between Interstates 285 and 85 In downtown Atlanta.
The Division of Construction's work on these and other projects made Fiscal Year 1989 a successful year In DOT's on-going endeavor to build and maintain a safe and efficient transportation system,

A major widening project on a sectfon of Interstate 20 east of downtown Atlanta was let to contract during the fiscal year. This type of project often calls for the constructfon of retaining walls.

Contract lettlngs, one of the prerequisites to construction, were conducted throughout Fiscal Year 1989 by DOTpersonnel.

Significant progress was made on the Talmadge Bridge Replacement pro ject during fiscal 1989. Shown above , the new bridge reaches for the sky.

Fiscal Year 1989 marked the completion of additional lanes constructed on Interstate 7S north between Atlanta and the Tennessee line .

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Division Highlights.

Fiscal Year 1989 Operations Division
Highlights
Initiated the state's first Adopt-A-Hlghway program, targeting the state's highways for litter control
Aided local governments In nine Georgia counties with the repair of 23 deficient bridge structures
Revamped the Department's vehicle condition rating system and formed an equipment committee to assess condition of heavy equipment statewide
Installed/upgraded nearly 200 traffic signals and expanded capabilities to repair signal controllers via computer

The exacting relationship between form and function in the Division of Operations was vividly evidenced during fiscal 1989. The Georgia DOT, by the nature of its purpose, is charged with keeping Georgians mobile. The Division of Operations by its primary function of maintaining and improving the State Highway System, helped create a base on which the other departmental divisions were able to expand, ultimately revealing the form of the entire Department.
Aside from maintenance and improvements, included among the Divisions of Operations' other responsibilities is the monitoring of both roadside utilities work and Georgia's truck-weighing stations. Additionally, the division is responsible for the DOT's heavy equipment inventory and oversees the activities of the departmental field districts.
The scope and effectiveness of the DOT's maintenance efforts were revealed in two Division of Operations highlights for Fiscal Year 1989. To begin with, the DOT implemented its first-ever Adopt-A-Highway program, whereby sections of state routes were sponsored by civic organizations and school groups for litter control. With annual DOT litter pick-up expenditures in excess of $3.7 million for fiscal 1989, the new program was seen as a crucial shot-in-the-arm in the state's efforts to combat litter. Coupled with the DOT's extensive wildflower propagation efforts, DOT officials were confident that Georgia's natural beauty could be enhanced while at the same time reducing unsightly and harmful debris from Georgia's roads.
Also as part of the DOT's maintenance efforts, the Division of Operations guided efforts to assist local governments across the state with the repair of deficient bridge structures. This effort in Fiscal Year 1989 to address the increasing concerns over decaying bridges yielded 23 bridges with substantial sub-structure improvements in nine counties.
The Georgia DOT could not operate without well-maintained, modern equipment. As SUCh, the Office of Equipment Management tackled the assignment of improving the vehicle replacement system by implementing a vehicle condition rating system, whereby all vehicles could be assessed on a uniform basis and replaced or repaired as needed. In a related effort, an equipment committee was created that took on the responsibility of inspecting all off-road equipment for which replacement had been requested.
To keep the traveling public moving safely, the Division of Operations' Traffic and Safety Office installed or upgraded nearly 200 traffic signals statewide. At the same time the office reduced overall signal down-time due to malfunctions, thereby increasing motorist safety, by using computer-aided phone lines to access both urban and rural traffic signal controllers. Also during the year, when actual traffic signal controller repair was necessary, a centralized warehouse for repair work and materials reduced costs and dramatically improved response time and quality control.

The DOT's wildflower propagation efforts kept Georgia's roads ides ablaze with color, above. Meanwhile, the state 's first-ever Adopt-A-Hlghway program added new meaning to the term ' clea n and beautiful' , pictured at right.

Keeping tabs on traffic pa"erns helped the DOT upgrade traffic sIgnals across the state .

The DOT assisted with the placement of new pilings on several deficient bridges.

Rigorous standards for the DOT's vehicle condition rating system helped keep equipment safe and efficient.
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Division Highlights.

Fiscal Year 1989
Planning &Programming
Division Highlights
Completed a comprehensive Interstate Needs Study, detailing the requirements of the state's Interstate network over the next 20 years
Simplified planning procedures through the use of a new Tranplan computer software package
Assembled a centralized computer filing system for the reporting of traffic acc Idents statewide
Conducted a study entitled the Harbor Maintenance Plan which will help plan for the future maintenance needs of the Savannah Harbor

Analyzing Georgia's current transportation system, as well as determining the state's future transportation needs - and developing ways to meet those needs - is the job of the Division of Planning and Programming at the Georgia DOT.
In Fiscal Year 1989, the Division directed several high-level projects for the Department which will benefit the citizens of Georgia immediately and in the planning of the state's transportation system over the next 20 years.
Of the numerous projects the Division supervised during the year, the most significant ones included the development of an interstate needs study, implementation of the Tranplan software package, centralization of all statewide traffic accident data files and the creation of a Harbor Maintenance Plan.
During fiscal 1989, the Planning and Programming Division studied the current status of Georgia's interstates in order to plan for the state's transportation needs of the future. The final product of this detailed work was the Interstate Needs Study,
In this study, formed by the Bureau of Plan Development, with the aid of Urban Design, Road Design and the district offices, the Division gives guidelines for the programming of DOT interstate projects in Georgia for the next 10 to 20 years, The study also prioritized the departmental construction projects for the next five years, as well as looking at interchange deficiencies in the statewide interstate system,
Another important addition to the division this year was the implementation of the Tranplan software computer package installed in the Bureau of Plan Development, With this addition, DOT planners had a more 'hands on' approach to the planning process because they can now input all data themselves, using their own desktop computers - and see immediate results.
During Fiscal Year 1989 the Bureau of Planning Data Services assembled a centralized computer filing system for the reports of all traffic accidents occurring on any road in Georgia. By placing these files on computer, the DOT is now in a position to obtain information regarding statewide traffic accidents in a much more timely fashion, The increased information has helped the DOT assess safety needs and address possible road hazards.
Through a study titled the Harbor Maintenance Plan, developed this fiscal year by the DOT through its Bureau of Public Transportation in cooperation with the Environment/Location and Materials offices, the DOT inventoried the capacity of the Savannah Harbor maintenance disposal areas. This plan will aid the Army Corps of Engineers, the entity actually charged with maintaining the harbor, but will also greatly assist the DOT in planning for the future maintenance needs of the harbor,

The Savannah Harbor Is one 01 the most Important ports on the Eastern seaboard. Shown above Is the harbor; the Inset shows crew ettorts to keep the harbor's maintenance disposal areas In check.

The Interstate Needs Study helped plan for the future development of Georgia's Interstates. Shown above Is Interstate 85 In Franklin County.

New Tranplan soltware kept keyboards and DOT planners busy
during the fiscal year as the Department made great strides In A computerized filing system 01 traffic accidents on all GeorgIa roads computerized planning technology.
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Division Highlights.

Fiscal Year 1989 Preconstruction Division
Highlights
Completed studies and design work for major projects statewide. Including the widening of State Route 10 in DeKalb County and the widening of the Columbus/ Manchester Expressway In Muscogee County
Completed replacement of 11 narrow, load-limited bridges, a measure designed to reduce maintenance costs and Improve safety; plans were made to replace 56 more in fiscal 1990
Acquired 3,024 land parcels in the Division's Right-of-Way Office, leading the nation In total parcel acquisitions
o Enhanced both field survey
techniques and the word processing procedures at the Environment/location Office

Before a road, bridge or road-related project can be given the go-ahead for construction, the DOT's Division of Preconstructlon must acquire the rtght-of-way for construction and develop any related project designs. In order to achieve optimal designs, the Division conducts highway location studies, environmental location studies, aerial surveys and holds public hearings on proposed projects.
Many major projects saw the completion of preconstructlon activities In Fiscal Year 1989 as these projects were let to contract. Included among these projects were ones designed to create additional lanes on congested urban roads, extend routes through heavily-traveled areas and replace narrow, load-limited bridges.
Following contract lettlngs, additional lanes were slated for construction on State Route 10 (Memorial Dr.) In DeKalb County; State Route 120 In both Cobb and Fulton counties; and on the Columbus/Manchester Expressway from State Route 1 to Interstate 185 In Columbus. Another project Included the letting of the first contract for the first project of construction on the State Route 400 extension between Interstates 285 and 85 In metropolitan Atlanta.
The Load Umlted Bridge Replacement Program Implemented In the Division's Bridge Design Office during the fiscal year sought to replace narrow load-limited bridges throughout the state. Of the 101 bridges that were let to contract In Fiscal Year 1989, an additional 11 bridges were replaced as part of the Load Umlted Bridge Replacement Program. With 114 bridges scheduled for contract lettlngs for Fiscal Year 1990 an additional 56 narrow load-limited bridges were scheduled for replacement.
The Georgia DOT lead the nation In the acquisition of land parcels for construction on upcoming projects during the fiscal year with the Division of Preconstructlon's Office of Right-of-Way spending nearly S81 .3 million to obtain 3,104 parcels.
The Division of Preconstructlon also Included among Its highlights for Fiscal Year 1989 Its successful efforts at Increasing productivity without Increasing office expenditures. The Implementation of both computerassisted field survey techniques and a computerized word processing system at the Division's Environment/Location Office greatly Increased efficiency within the Division while reducing costs to the Department. In the area of field surveys, the new computerized equipment alone Increased production by 35 percent while reducing the number of personnel needed for each survey team.
The varied and complex responsibilities of the Division of Preconstructlon during Fiscal Year 1989 provided a bright light for the Department and a beacon for the state's transportation system.

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Computertzed field survey techniques reduced the size of field survey teams while Increasing production by 35 percent.

Administrative costs were significantly reduced In the Office of Environment/Location through the Implementation of a computerized word processing system .

A program was established In Fiscal Year 1989 to replace narrow load-limited br idges located on the State Primary System. One of the bridges replaced during the fiscal year as part of the program was located between Glynn and Mcintosh counties on U.S. 17 across the Altamaha River, pictured at right.
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Finances and Statistics.

Number of Employees Department of Transportation
As of June J(J/h 01 each F/scol Y"'" listed

Nemumptbcevreoefe , . . -

...,

10,000

9,000
MOO
7,000 6,000-

J, 9,110

t/
8,340
I i
,!
I
6,181,k
;
I

\
\ \
\
\ 7,166
". 6,509\", 6,286

MOO

(
4,591/

4,000

/

13,255

3,000

/

IJ~I ,376

2,000

1,000

a
19~89 nsccr veoe
1955 1965 1972 1980

Financial Information Fiscal Year 1989
Year Ending June 30, 1989
Expenditures

Personal Services

198,120,191.24

Regular Operating Expenses

59.300.023.33

Travel

1,694A76.50

Motor Vehicle Purchases .................. 1.527,020.95

Equipment

5,867,140.86

Computer Charges.

2.662,799.21

Real Estate Rentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1.286.155 ,00

Telecommunications

1,941,045.33

Per Diem, Fees and Contracts

8,833,216.50

Capital Outlay

642.547.059.57

G.O. Bond Debt Sinking Fund

31.000,000.00

Grants to Counties

9,317.013.00

Grants to Municipalities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9.317,000.00

Capital Outlay - Airport Development

1.264.555.71

Capital Outlay - Airport Approach AJd/

Operational Improvements

1.358.104.17

Mass Transit Grants ,

9.281.144.83

Harbor Maintenance Payments

' 1.229 A07 ,40

Spoilage Area Acquisition,

Clearing & Preparation

3.583A88.98

Total Expenditures , .. ,

,$ 990,129,842.58

Not Included In DOT Audit

0 "

Total State Fund Appropriations
As Compared to DOT Appropriations

Ru:aI YlKJt 1984

/985

/986

1987

/ 988

/989

100'1.

80%

20%

Total Mileage Percen tages of Georgia Roads
(Divided by City , Co unty and Slate System.) A.oI o.c.m ~r 1941
72% orThe Total Stat. Mileage
17'40' The Total Slote Mileage

Comparison of Equivalent Motor Fuel Taxes of Southeastern States
Current .... of July t 989
Georg ia lEiII;;
North Caroli na

I

I

Ce nts 0

5

"/nc /uclf>. an .tate and Iocof taxes on a pallon of paso l/ne

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Photo Credits
Port ActIvity Photographs, page 4, , , , " ,Courtesy Georgia Ports Authority All Photographs, page 6 , , . , , , Randy Hallman, DOT Office of Urban Design Governor Harris Photograph, page 10 , , , , Alan Johnson, The Albany Herald

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Report produced by the Public Affairs Office for further Informedlon Plea.. Contact: . The Georgia Depatlment of Transpotfotlon No.2 Capitol Square Atlanta, GeorgIa 30334 (404) 656-5267