Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has been awarded a $12 million grant from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) to help address railroad crossing blockages in Millen, Georgia. GDOT will provide an additional $3 million in matching funds for this effort. This is the culmination of well over a year of work and close partnership between local and state-level leaders, as well as private partners like Norfolk Southern Corp., to address this issue.
“Successfully landing this grant award is a great example of how our approach to working directly with local partners to address pressing challenges is delivering results,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “By collaborating on this project and making a forceful case to USDOT on why these funds are needed, we’re both working toward a solution to an issue affecting all of Millen and supporting the vital rail connection to the Port of Savannah that serves as a key economic driver for our state.”
The grant award will fund the first stage of a project aimed at resolving traffic disruptions caused by frequent blockages at railroad crossings in the City of Millen. These interruptions impact both local and freight traffic, hindering connectivity and posing safety concerns for residents and businesses in the area. Millen serves as a direct connection to the Port of Savannah terminal facilities and plays a crucial role in the state’s transportation network. Prior to this grant award, GDOT had already deployed Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) equipment, providing advanced warnings to drivers and mitigating the impact of rail blockages to help alleviate the problem while working on a long-term solution. The ITS equipment was strategically installed at seven locations to offer timely warnings, allowing drivers to adjust their travel patterns and avoid blockages.
“GDOT looks forward to advancing this very important project,” said Russell McMurry, GDOT…
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