The Georgia Department of Transportation is seeking input on the proposed reconstruction of Highway 119 from Magnolia Place to Highway 21 in Effingham County.

The public is encouraged to come out to view the plans and displays, discuss the project with Georgia DOT staff and give comments at a public information open house meeting, scheduled for March 20 from 5-7 p.m. at the Effingham County Recreation and Parks building on Highway 119 South in Springfield. There will be no formal presentation, so people can stop by at any point during the meeting.

“Public involvement is a critical element in the Georgia DOT road planning process and it can make a big difference in the development of projects,” said Karon Ivery, Georgia DOT district engineer in Jesup. “Georgia DOT strongly believes that since its road projects are intended to serve the people, the ideas and preferences of these people are important.”

The Highway 119 improvement project is designed to enhance operational efficiency and safety for motorists along 119. The proposed reconstruction of 119 would add a center turn lane and associated improvements beginning at Magnolia Place and extending to Highway 21.

Participants can view the project display for 10 days at both the GDOT area office at 17213 Highway 301 North in Statesboro and online at www.dot.ga.gov.  On the home page, choose “Information Center,” next choose “Public Outreach” and select the project’s county and choose “go.” A list of DOT projects in that county will appear and can be viewed. Newer projects are at the bottom of the project list.

Anyone unable to attend the public information open house may send comments on the project to Hiral Patel, Georgia DOT, 600 West Peachtree Street 16th Floor Atlanta, GA 30308. All comments will be considered in the development of the final project design and must be received by March 30.