ATLANTA – House Majority Leader Jon Burns (R-Newington), Rep. Bill Hitchens (R-Rincon) and Sen. Jack Hill (R-Reidsville) announced Thursday that the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will build a roundabout at the intersection of State Route (SR) 275/Ebenezer Road and Country Road (CR) 307/Old Augusta Road South/ Long Bridge Road in Effingham County.

“I’m thankful that GDOT is taking on this significant project for the safety and well-being of our county’s citizens,” said Burns. “This intersection has been a public safety hazard in our community for years, with car crashes frequently occurring at this intersection. I believe that installing a roundabout will make Effingham County’s roadways safer for all commuters.”

“Installing this roundabout will address the important public safety concern that this intersection presents,” Hitchens. “I am pleased that GDOT has identified this hazard community and will work to implement a safe solution for our citizens.”

“Safety for our local commuters and those traveling through Effingham County remains a top priority,” said Hill. “I commend GDOT for funding this project, which will help to decrease the number of accidents that occur at this intersection.”

The purpose of the $2.14 million project is to decrease the frequency and severity of automobile crashes at the Ebenezer Road/Old Augusta Road South/Long Bridge Road intersection and to improve the intersection’s operational efficiency. According to crash data, Sixteen correctable crashes occurred at this intersection from 2004 to 2013, which resulted in nine injuries. Studies have shown that roundabouts typically reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by nearly 80 percent.

The new roundabout will be 150 feet in diameter and consist of a single lane. The construction contractor, Reeves Construction Company of Americus is expected to complete the project by summer 2019.