DOT to Host Open House on Proposed 411 Connector

The proposed project calls for a new US 411to I-75 connection by constructing a rural freeway on a new location between the existing US 411/US 41 interchange and the current State Route (SR) 20 east of I-75, with a new I-75 interchange. Plans also include interchange improvements at US 41. The project would begin at the intersection of US 411 and US 41 and extend to SR 20 east of I-75, for a distance of 7.31 miles.

Bartow and Floyd county’s residents interested in learning more about the proposed project are encouraged to attend the meeting and express their thoughts and preferences.

`We would like to hear the viewpoints and concerns of all area residents,` says Kent Sager, district engineer at the Georgia DOT office in Cartersville.

This is the sixth Georgia DOT public open house associated with the US 411 Connector. The first was held on April 29, 2004 and the fifth on February 12, 2008. Collectively, these previous five public meetings were attended by over 1300 area residents who received information, asked questions, shared ideas and express their preferences and concerns about this project.

The need for a connection between the existing US 41/US411 interchange and I-75 has been studied several times since the 1980s. Growth and development in the area have exacerbated the congestion on existing roadways and changed conditions in the corridor. A detailed analysis of the alternatives and an assessment of social, economic and environmental impacts have been completed. The Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS), which summarized the evaluation, was approved by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in August 2007. A of Record of Decision was issued and approved by FHWA at the end of October 2008.

The public is invited to attend this informal open house, view the project’s study area maps and displays, ask questions, and share their ideas and comments.

“The Georgia DOT strongly believes that since this project is intended to serve the people of Bartow and Floyd counties, the ideas and preferences of these people are important,” Sager explains. “This meeting will provide the public in these two counties with an opportunity to review the proposed modifications to the project, ask questions, and express their preferences as well as their concerns.”

The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. Additional transportation revenues are imperative to grow and sustain Georgia`s economic vitality and quality of life through the 21st Century. Georgia is the 3rd fastest-growing state in the nation, yet 49th in per capita spending on transportation. For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site (www.dot.ga.gov).

Georgia DOT – District Six – 500 Joe Frank Harris Parkway – Cartersville, GA 30120 – (770) 387-3600 – Fax: (770) 387-5497