The Project: Connecting Savannah Project started as a process to find solutions to growing congestion problems, need for east west connectivity and lack of alternative modes of travel. This project is a fine example of extensive public involvement in transportation projects in Georgia. Central community issues identified by stakeholders in this project include: DeRenne Avenue congestion, Bay Street traffic, Savannah’s lack of east-west connectivity, policies to become more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly, and opportunities for improved transit corridors.
Location: Savannah, Georgia
Context Setting: Urban
Stakeholders: This project has about 200 stakeholders from groups such as Savannah Metropolitan commission, Chatham County, Georgia Ports Authority, Business Representatives, Elected Officials, University students and other student groups.
The Process: The Connecting Savannah process was designed to actively engage the public in the planning of solutions to the transportation issues and make Savannah a better place to live and visit. The approach is to understand community values, concerns and interests and incorporate them into the transportation solutions while addressing the goals of the community. The process began with a stakeholder conference in October 2004 which was followed by five working group sessions. Citizens identified the problems, potential solutions, and voiced opinions on a short-list of top candidate concepts. From input received on the combination of policies, shot-term, mid-term and long-term potentials, 12 actions have been proposed.
DeRenne Avenue Congestion:
Retime the signals to provide improved traffic progression
Provide ambulance pre-emption on DeRenne
Hampstead Avenue Connector:
Construct a new four lane divided road connection with bike lanes and sidewalks from DeRenne/Mildred to Abercorn to reduce traffic on DeRenne between Montgomery and Abercorn.
Bay Street Traffic:
Retime the signals to ensure most efficient operation of Bay Street traffic.
Install audible pedestrian signals at every signalized intersection on Bay Street from MLK to Broad.
East-West Connectivity:
Conduct concept feasibility (pre-design) for a regional traffic control center, including coordination with planned GDOT freeway management system.
Initiate planning for long-term implementation of Truman Parkway Extension and Second Bridge across Savannah River.
A more detailed description of this project is available online at:
http://www.thempc.com/Transportation/ConnectingSavannah.htm
