History

State Route 133 is a major north-south corridor in South Georgia and provides a vital connection between Valdosta on the south with Albany to the north. For its entire length between Valdosta and Albany, SR 133 is identified for eventual widening due to its inclusion on the Governor's Road Improvement Program (GRIP). The GRIP was initiated in the 1980's to address the importance of stimulating economic growth via an improved transportation network. SR 133 was recently added to the GRIP by the State Legislature and approved by the Governor.

Demographics

SR 133 crosses through Brooks County, whose population grew by 6.8% between 1990 and 2000 to a total population of 10,282. SR 133 also crosses through Colquitt County, whose population grew by 14.8% between 1990 and 2000 to a total population of 42,053. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that 23.4% of Brooks County lived below the poverty level in 1999, compared to a statewide average of 13.0%. The U.S. Census Bureau also estimated that 19.8% of Colquitt County lived below the poverty level in 1999, compared to a statewide average of 13.0%.

Proposed Scope of Work

In addition to its mandated improvement as a GRIP route, the project will improve the anticipated capacity deficiencies on SR 133 by improving the LOS for the design year (2030) and the design year (2030) to LOS “A”. Improving SR 133 to a multi-lane facility with separate turning lanes will also remove turning conflicts from the through traffic and should increase safety. SR 133 is not a route designated in the GDOT Statewide Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan or a local bike plan. There are 5 projects to widen SR133 between Valdosta and Moultrie and 5 projects between Moultrie and Albany. The proposed limits of the 5 projects (PI # 0000543, 0000544, 0000545, 0000546 and 431780) between Valdosta and Moultrie have logical termini; the southern terminus of these projects will tie into the existing four lane section of SR 133 near CR 276/Troupeville Road in Brooks County and the northern terminus of these projects will tie into the existing four lane section at the SR 35/Moultrie Bypass. Consideration should be given to analyze these five projects together in one environmental document.