Today, Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Commissioner Russell McMurry and District 1 Engineer Jason Dykes were honored to speak at the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Transportation Forum, where they shared updates on key infrastructure projects and safety initiatives impacting Northeast Georgia and beyond.

Commissioner McMurry outlined the robust investments being made through Amended Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025, with Additional State General Funds helping to drive major transportation progress across the state. These include:

• $98 million for Airport Aid

• $250 million for Local Roads Funding

• $500 million for the Freight Program

• $593 million for Capital Construction – a 58% increase in budget

• $50 million for Capital Maintenance – a 32% budget increase

In total, these investments have helped expedite 44 projects statewide, advance more than 40 total project years, and introduce 19 entirely new projects across Georgia’s transportation network.

One of the most exciting announcements was the Blue Ridge Connector, a transformative new corridor expected to open in 2026. Commissioner McMurry also highlighted the advancement of several local projects made possible through these funds:

• SR 211 Construction from Pinot Noir Drive to SR 347 – $30M

• SR 211 Design from I-85 to West Winder Bypass – $9M

• SR 365 Design from I-985 to Belton Bridge – $10M

• Future plans for SR 211: SR 347 to SR 53, and a long-range SR 365 Corridor Studyenvisioning improvements through 2050

Following Commissioner McMurry’s remarks, District 1 Engineer Jason Dykes delivered a passionate address on the importance of roadway safety, both for GDOT crews and the traveling public. He shared sobering statistics from 2024:

“Last year, 1,466 people lost their lives on Georgia roads. Of those, 81% involved distracted drivers and **62% were not wearing seatbelts,” Dykes said. “We must do better—for our families, our communities, and ourselves.”

Engineer Dykes also shared updates on major regional projects, including:

• SR 211 from I-85 to Pinot Noir Drive Multilane Roundabouts – $27.2M, expected completion in 2026

• SR 11/US 129 Phase 1 (Lakeview to Nopone Rd) – $58.2M, estimated start February 2026

• Recently completed SR 365 paving project from SR 52 to Level Grove Rd – $13.5M

The central message of the event was best captured in Commissioner McMurry’s words:

“Orange Barrels Equals Progress.”

While construction zones may temporarily disrupt daily commutes, GDOT remains committed to building a safer, more connected Georgia—one project at a time.

GDOT extends its heartfelt thanks to the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce for hosting today’s forum, to all attendees for their input and support, and to event sponsors Pinnacle Bank and Rochester | DCCM for making this conversation possible.