Recently, while browsing the
Georgia DOT's Public Outreach website, I came across plans for a proposed new rest area on I-16 at approximately Mile 97 in Candler County. Here is the URL...
http://tomcat2.dot.state.ga.us/PublicOutreach_ex/projectInfo/projectInfo.cfm?projID=0000691&projNum=NHS-0000-00(691)&projName=New%20Rest%20Area%20in%20I-16%20Median&CFID=50299&CFTOKEN=76609649What intrigued me the most about it was that it would be built in the median and the traffic lanes would be redesigned to "criss-cross" each other similar to what I-85 does just south of Greensboro, North Carolina. Incidentally, there is also a rest area in that particular median, featuring a Vietnam Vets memorial (IIRC). Last year, Mary and I stopped at that particular rest area on our way from Atlanta to Washington.
Since I-16 can be turned into a one-way hurricane evacuation route, the new rest area would also include an overflow parking lot for hurricane evacuee traffic.
One big difference between this proposed new rest area and the one in the median of I-85 in North Carolina, however, is that this one will seem to allow traffic to enter from one side of the highway and exit on the opposite side. I could be wrong, but from looking at the
image provided, it just seems that way. Please take a look for yourself and feel free to let me know what you think.
Finally, has anyone recently traveled along this particular stretch of I-16 and noticed any construction activity in the vicinity of Mile 97? From the dates on the plans (February, 2007), it does not seem that any construction is underway (or even planned) at this point.
Having traveled I-16 a few times (most recent was Halloween weekend of 2005), I can tell you that along that
loooooong stretch of open highway with not very many services (food, fuel, etc.) along its exits, this new rest area would definitely be a welcome addition... especially for the times when "nature calls".
Another thing I-16 needs IMHO is callboxes, similar to those set up along I-185 in half-mile intervals. After all, I-16 is a mostly desolate stretch of highway (at least by Georgia standards) and lacks the plethora of services you find along most of the rest of Georgia's rural Interstate highways. Florida is very good about providing these boxes along theirs. Next time you travel down I-75 in Florida, take notice of the plethora of callboxes and you'll see what I mean.
And finally, regarding the following excerpt from last Friday's blog...
Until the GA 400 tollway was completed in August, 2003, "Mile 0" was at I-285 and "Mile 46" was just south of its northern end at GA 60 in Lumpkin County.
I meant to say
August, 1993, but apparently had 2003 on the brain. Thanks to the anonymous commenter for their correction. Folks, I should've known better, because just hours after the new 400 tollway was opened, I made a special trip to be one of its first users. If that ain't "roadgeeking", then what is?
That's it for now. Thanks for reading and please come back again.
