Effingham County residents are being asked to take part in comprehensive transportation plan for the county’s traffic and road needs.

The study, being conducted by the state Department of Transportation and consulting firm Carter Burgess, will start with a public information meeting Thursday at Ebenezer Middle School at 6 p.m.

Projections call for Effingham’s population to grow to 80,000 by 2030 and for employment to swell from 8,800 to 24,000.

The study is collecting data and examining current conditions, and it also will project travel demand, evaluate future conditions, recommend improvements, examine environmental conditions and get governmental and public involvement.

The study will look at deficiencies in the current transportation system and look at potential solutions.

Another public meeting is tentatively scheduled for February and a presentation of the study’s findings will be made to the county commissioners at their first meeting in March. A final report is expected to be completed in April.

For more information, see the Web site http://www.dot.state.ga.us/DOT/plan-prog/planning/studies/effingham/index.shtml. Questionnaires on the Web site can be returned to the county administrative complex or to the respective city halls for municipal residents.