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Key Project Issues
The location of this project presents many unique design challenges in addition to the traffic and operational issues.
The following items are constraints within the project area that have been given careful consideration during the design phase of the project:
- The Ocmulgee River and adjacent floodplain.
The proposed concept will include the widening and reconstruction of existing
river crossings at I-16, Second Street and Coliseum Drive.
Bridges and/or retaining walls will be considered for the proposed eastbound collector-distributor (CD) road to minimize impacts to the floodplain.
The goal with proposed project is to have no adverse effect o the 100-year flood
of the Ocmulgee River.
- The Central of Georgia Railroad Bridge over I-16.
The Preferred Concept Alternative will require neither relocation nor reconstruction of the existing Central of Georgia Railroad Bridge over I-16.
- The Ocmulgee Old Fields Traditional Cultural Property (TCP).
A large tract of land immediately East of the Central of Georgia Railroad falls within a proposed TCP boundary that encompasses the existing interstate.
Efforts will be made to minimize impacts in this area.
- The Ocmulgee National Monument.
In addition to the TCP boundary, a section of I-16 is currently located on an easement within the Ocmulgee National Monument.
- Gateway Park (M.L.K. @ Riverside Drive).
A park has been constructed at this intersection that may be impacted by the future widening and reconstruction of the Coliseum Drive Bridge over the Ocmulgee River.
- Proposed Greenway Trail System:
A pedestrian/bicycle trail system is being developed in the vicinity of this project.
Accommodation of this trail might require longer bridge spans within the I-16/I-75 interchange.
- Wetlands:
Efforts will be made to minimize impacts to areas designated as wetlands within the project limits.
If necessary, wetland mitigation sites will be incorporated to compensate for impacted areas.
- Historic Districts / Property:
Immediately adjacent to the proposed interstate improvements are the Shirley Hills Historic District, the Pleasant Hill Historic District, and the Riverside Cemetery.
Efforts will be made to minimize impacts in these areas.
- The Norfolk Southern Railroad:
The existing Norfolk Southern "H" line runs parallel to the Ocmulgee River and will be spanned by
several of the proposed bridges within the project area.
The interchange project will be designed to accommodate future expansion of the railroad if necessary.
- Major Utilities:
Within the project limits are three sanitary sewer pump stations and eight electrical transmission towers.
The current concept may require relocation/reconstruction of at least one transmission tower and one sanitary sewer pump station.
Alternate designs will be analyzed during the preliminary design phase to avoid conflicts with any major utilities.
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