Georgia Road Reform: 2017

It is no secret that Georgia's route designations are confusing. As one of only four states who does not match state route numbers with U.S. route numbers, the time has long come and gone to do away with these archaic designations and replace them with many more single-number U.S. routes. Of those four states, Georgia is the only one to prominently post these routes, but in all cases it causes mass confusion and makes giving directions difficult. In addition, Georgia's system goes to excesses that no other state would consider including a whole separate number series of secret state routes for interstates and a large collection of bannered routes that refer to the state overlap instead of the parent route. Think of GA 6 Business in Dallas, which is a business route of U.S. 278. Confusing? Yep.

If you're not confused, you're not paying attention. This is an example of one of the worst offenders for state overlaps. The intersection should be simply US 41, US 41 Business and US 341 By-Pass, but things got a lot more complicated when GA 11 Business (left), GA 11 (right), and GA 11 Connector (straight ahead) were thrown into the mix. Throw in the hard to read 2" tall banners in the overheads, the flimsy span wires, and incorrect placement of US 41 on the overhead and you see why the overlaps need to go. Making them "secret" is not enough. People do not understand what these bannered routes mean, and there is absolutely no need for a completely different state route number from a US route number. US 41 and US 341 should equal GA 41 and GA 341. Photo from Google Maps.

Most U.S. routes in Georgia have a duplicating state route somewhere in the state (e.g. U.S. 23 and GA 23). Sometimes they cross over or overlap each other. All mainline interstates duplicate with state routes as well (I-24/GA 24), and the issue is most problematic with GA 85, which runs roughly parallel to I-85. To fix this, not only must each duplicating state route be renumbered, but also the bannered routes renumbered as well. This is needed in addition to the dropping of the state route numbers from the U.S. and interstate routes. In other words, dropping GA 12 from U.S. 278 means that GA 278 must also be renumbered so that U.S. 278=GA 278. In terms of the bannered routes that tie to the state route number, a new method must be developed for signing/marking these, and this will be described shortly. Additionally, pieces of routes that largely follow U.S. routes with short independent sections will need to be renumbered on those independent sections as well. The list of routes is long, and many decommissioned highway numbers will need to be resurrected as part of a massive renumbering needed to correct this problem. For the most part, decommissioned route numbers chosen would come from roads that could not be restored to the original route numbers such as GA 366, which was replaced by GA 77.

Seven routes share the same stretch of pavement in Folkston, and arguably only four should be seen here. It is made worse by the fact that US 23 and GA 23 overlap: a situation that never should have happened, because GA 23 should have been renumbered when US 23 was introduced. GA 4 is the lengthy overlap of US 1, GA 15 is the sometimes independent overlap of many US routes (and does not branch off again into Florida). Only GA 121 is legitimate as an overlap here, and ONLY because it is a multi-state route (FL, GA, and SC) that functions like a US route. Even then, there is a case for decommissioning GA 121 since it is actually mostly an overlapped route and is not truly a major highway on its own. Photo from Google Maps.

STATE ROUTES THAT DUPLICATE U.S. ROUTES IN GEORGIA

These are the route numbers that share the same number as U.S. route in the state. At times they may even overlap or cross the same route number creating confusion not only for motorists, but also for state workers in charge of installing the signs. In particular, GA 17 comes close to U.S. 17, GA 25 meets U.S. 25 in Brunswick, and GA 27 crosses U.S. 27 in Lumpkin.

GA 1 (Duplicates with U.S. 1; mostly follows U.S. 27)

Includes many bannered routes of U.S. 1, but the main issues are with GA 1 Loop in Rome and GA 1 Connector in Lumpkin that will require a unique renumbering
GA 1 Loop will likely require a different state reference route such as 53 or 20 (the latter to be renumbered 50) or a unique route number (such as GA 344 that previously followed U.S. 411)

GA 17 (Duplicates with U.S. 17 and nearly meets U.S. 17 near Savannah)

An extended GA 21 and re-assigned GA 167 would replace this route
GA 167 followed a large portion of GA 17 from Millen to Bloomingdale in the 1940's and then was mysteriously decommissioned for an extended GA 17
The restored GA 167 would extend much further north ending in Louisville

GA 19 (Duplicates with U.S. 19)

An independent portion from Dublin to Lumber City will require renumbering
For that section, a disjunct GA 68 makes the most logical sense, since GA 68 is a prime candidate for extension south from its current terminus to Dublin
A re-designated GA 134 and extended GA 126 is the second option since it ties into Old GA 134

GA 25 (Duplicates with U.S. 25; mostly follows U.S. 17 and crosses U.S. 25 in Brunswick with numerous confusing bannered routes carrying the GA 25 number)

Only a small section in Garden City does not follow U.S. 17
Renumber as GA 925 south of GA 30 through Garden City and Port Wentworth
Renumber GA 25 Connector as another section of GA 925 from GA 21 to US 17
Renumber as GA 170 north of GA 30 (including a renumbering of GA 30 to GA 170)
Its most significant bannered route, GA 25 Spur/GA 25 Spur E can easily be renumbered a far more clever GA 395 to highlight its status as a spur of I-95 into Brunswick and as a likely interstate route number (I-395) if the roadway is ever upgraded to full freeway
Other bannered routes should be assigned as sections of GA 925

GA 27 (Duplicates with U.S. 27; crosses U.S. 27 in Lumpkin)

Renumber as GA 30 from Hawkinsville to Americus (number currently is primarily a state overlap of US 280)
The rest follows US 341 and will be decommissioned

GA 29 (Duplicates with U.S. 29; mostly follows U.S. 441)

Mostly concurrent with US 80 and US 441
Independent portion between Dublin and Soperton can become a relocated GA 86 (existing GA 86 renumbered as GA 322 or decommissioned)

GA 41 (Duplicates with U.S. 41; partially follows U.S. 27 Alt)

Reassign as GA 7, which will be removed from existing US 19 and 41 on independent portions south of Warm Springs
North of Warm Springs, decommission since it follows U.S. 27 Alt

GA 76 (Duplicates with U.S. 76)

Reassign as GA 58, which currently follows U.S. 11 with no bannered routes

GA 78 (Duplicates with U.S. 78)

GA 78 mostly follows other routes with only two small independent portions in Soperton and east of Wadley
An extended GA 242 and a renumbering of GA 78 in Soperton into a bannered route for a relocated GA 86 could easily eliminate this completely useless route

GA 80 (Duplicates with U.S. 80)

The northern portion from Wrens to Washington should become a re-assigned GA 73 (currently overlaps US 301) or GA 21 Alt (reassignment of GA 17)
The middle portion should become part of a new route for GA 21 from Wrens to Waynesboro
The eastern spur is a turnback candidate and should be assigned as either GA 980 or as GA 56 Loop (existing GA 56 Spur reassigned and extended as a Loop)

GA 82 (Duplicates with GA 82)

Will require a more complex renumbering with other routes, but the best choice is GA 207
GA 207 was previously a short connector used in Oconee County on Hog Mountain Road
A map is provided here showing how it all connects and what routes will be assigned to different parts

GA 84 (Duplicates with GA 84)

GA 84 is a very short route and should be reassigned a less important route number
GA 238, a route previously in Troup County cut off by West Point Lake, is the best candidate
GA 84 could also be decommissioned given it is only a short connector to Grayson, which is already served by GA 20

GA 123 (Duplicates with U.S. 123)

GA 123 is a short route, but it is still important; reusing GA 163 (previously on what is now GA 85 Alt in Meriwether County), is the best choice since it is close to the original route number

GA 129 (Duplicates with U.S. 129)

GA 31 should be removed from its present position as an overlap of US 221 and 441
GA 31 replaces all of GA 129 in conjunction with the independent part of GA 23 north of Metter

GA 221 was decommissioned in 1982, so this is no longer an issue
GA 278 (Duplicates with U.S. 278)

Reassign as GA 359 - number is available with original route replaced by an extended GA 204

GA 280 (Duplicates with U.S. 280)

Reassign as GA 265 - number is available with original route replaced by a relocated GA 149

GA 301 (Duplicates with U.S. 301)

Reassign as GA 375; number relates to AL 75, which present-day GA 301 connects
GA 375 was briefly assigned to what is now GA 39 and 39 Connector and is available

GA 319 was decommissioned in 1989, so this is no longer an issue
GA 341 (Duplicates with U.S. 341)

Reassign as GA 193 Alternate or GA 349
GA 349 was previously used nearby on Happy Valley Road, was decommissioned in 1986, and it would logically connect if it still existed

GA 378 (Duplicates with U.S. 378)

Reassign as GA 366
GA 366 was previously used on part of what is now GA 77 in Hart County

A look at the current and much improved routes in Brunswick with the state overlaps removed. Also proposed here is the designation of an I-95 Business Loop through Brunswick that follows present GA 25 Spur and U.S. 17 across the Sidney Lanier Bridge. The major fix here is the removal of all of the GA 25 banners that are confused with U.S. 25: especially the reassignment of GA 25 Spur and GA 25 Spur E as GA 395.

STATE ROUTES THAT DUPLICATE INTERSTATES IN GEORGIA

The reassignment of state route numbers that duplicate interstates is is likely to be the most controversial aspect of the route renumbering due to the clearer difference in route signs as well as the fact that very long major state routes will have to be reassigned with new route numbers. Problems exists here as well such as GA 20 crossing I-20 in Conyers and GA 85 running roughly parallel to I-85. The duplicate list is as follows along with the recommended change:

GA 14

Future interstate designation
Currently assigned primarily to US 29 with several substantial bannered routes south of Atlanta
Only a small independent section in Atlanta that could be assigned as GA 914

GA 16

Reassign as GA 8 on independent portions
GA 8 is currently assigned as the state overlap of parts of US 78 and US 29
Renumber western independent part of GA 16 in Carrollton as GA 210
GA 210 was previously assigned to a current part of GA 189 in Lookout Mountain
Overlap on U.S. 27 Alt between Newnan and Carrollton may be retained to preserve continuity into Alabama through Bowdon (currently GA 166)

GA 20

Reassign as GA 50 on entire route
GA 50 is currently assigned only to a portion of US 82 west of Dawson with no bannered routes

GA 24

Reassign independent portions as GA 38
GA 38 is currently the state overlap of US 84

GA 59

A portion is already proposed to be reassigned as GA 63
Reassign as GA 89 or 959 on remaining portion depending on long-term state priorities for this route
GA 89 is currently assigned only to a portion of US 441 south of Pearson with no bannered routes

GA 75

GA 75 is mostly overlapped with GA 17 (proposed renumbering to GA 21)
Independent portion south of GA 17 should be reassigned as GA 69
GA 69 was previously assigned to a small portion of GA 17 from US 76 to North Carolina border
Northern independent portion north of US 76 should be reassigned as GA 175 to match NC 175
GA 175 was previously used in Lanier and Lowndes County with the current road partially abandoned

GA 85

Likely the most controversial route change, GA 85 roughly parallels I-85 between Columbus and Atlanta
The entire route should be reassigned GA 35
GA 35 currently is entirely a state overlap with US 319 with one independent bannered route in Thomasville (GA 35 Connector)

GA 95

Short highway in Northwest Georgia running from GA 151 to US 27 in Rock Spring
Can easily be renumbered as GA 295
GA 295 was previously used on a portion of what is currently I-75 south of Atlanta

GA 185

Renumber as GA 245
GA 245 was previously used on what is currently GA 60 between Mineral Bluff and McCaysville and was decommissioned in 1977

GA 285

Short highway in Seminole County
May be easily renumbered as GA 276
GA 276 was previously a spur in Long County from US 25 decommissioned in 1981 and the former route is an unpaved road that is functionally local

GA 475

No routes in Georgia have this number

GA 516

No routes in Georgia have this number

GA 520

GRIP corridor assignments are proposed for removal as part of this plan with the US 82 route number becoming the only route number
Independent portion of GA 520 west of Americus to be renumbered back to GA 55
Independent portion east of U.S. 17 in Brunswick to be re-assigned as GA 258
GA 258 previously followed what is now GA 54 from Hogansville to U.S. 27 in Troup County

GA 575

No routes in Georgia have this number

GA 675

No routes in Georgia have this number

GA 985

No highway in Georgia currently has this designation
It will conflict with the old alignment designation along GA 85 (985) meaning any old alignment route will need to reference the new route number (35)

DEALING WITH OLD ALIGNMENTS, SPURS AND CONNECTORS WHEN STATE OVERLAPS ARE REMOVED

Three methods exist of dealing with bannered routes that carry the state designation when it is part of a U.S. route. The first essentially retains the "ghost" of the former state overlap. This means that even though the state overlap would no longer exist, any use of a 900 series route would reference the former route. Adding 900 gives it a unique route number while still using the old system as roughly a bannered route. The methods are as follows:

Assign the original state overlap number +900 (e.g. 935 for Old GA 35)

This only works for routes numbered 1-99
It is a "ghost" method in that the parent state overlap would no longer exist if it relates to a U.S. route (e.g. GA 901 for Old US 27, which was also GA 1)
Routes of this type may be unsigned or partially signed where it creates confusion
Often these routes should be assigned as truck routes (TRUCK U.S. 25), an unofficial banner route of a US route (U.S. 19 Connector), or with trailblazers (TO U.S. 17)
If used for a longer old alignment, the routes should be signed
900 Series routes repeat in sections meaning that along Old U.S. 129 (formerly GA 11) in North Georgia, each old alignment would be 911 with a section letter or number (911-2S or 911B)
County sections of old alignments may also eventually carry the 900 series route numbers with a county route sign, so this should be factored in (e.g. CR 911-8C or CR 911H)
900 Series routes may also be used as a step to decommission a route

Assign officially as a state route of the U.S. route (GA 23 Connector for U.S. 23), but sign in the field as a U.S. route (U.S. 23 Connector)

This method also works for 900 series routes such as signing 915 as U.S. 441 Connector in Habersham County

Assign an entirely new route number

If practical and a number is available, assign an original state route number to a bannered route (e.g. GA 244 for GA 247 Connector)
This is generally used for when bannered routes are longer and function as their own highway such as the GA 247 Connector example
This is also used when a 900 series route number is not practical (state overlap is 100+)

Wow, isn't this so much simpler than all the 247 and 11 banners? Suddenly it's clear what the Perry By-Pass actually is, where U.S. 41 is, and motorists are even provided a reasonable option to by-pass Fort Valley to reach I-75 and Warner Robins. The empty circles show all the state highways that were removed.

STATE ROUTES THAT WILL BE ELIMINATED AND/OR REASSIGNED DUE TO ELIMINATION OF STATE OVERLAPS

The elimination of state routes that do not duplicate U.S. route numbers, but follow significant portions of U.S. routes is where things get quite complicated. The list here includes routes that will be eliminated and/or completely relocated, not routes that will be truncated. This includes state routes like GA 6 and 56 that will still retain part of their route where it does not overlap U.S. routes. Some highlights, including creative reassignments, will be posted here.

GA 7

Reassignment along what is currently GA 41 between Warm Springs and Morgan
Existing GA 7 removed from U.S. 41 and 341

GA 8

Reassignment along what is currently GA 16 from Newnan to Warrenton
GA 8 may assume a portion of U.S. 27 Alt from Newnan to Carrollton if it follows current GA 166 west into Alabama
Existing GA 8 removed along U.S. 29 and 78

GA 10

Will be removed on all but a section in Atlanta along U.S. 78
Section in Atlanta can be renumbered back to GA 410, especially since overlap along Stone Mountain Freeway will be removed.

GA 12

Will be removed along all of U.S. 278 with availability for reassignment

GA 14

Will be removed along all of U.S. 29, but not made available for reassignment due to possibility of I-14 being built in Georgia within the next 20 years
GA 14 Spur in LaGrange becomes GA 914, section 1 and GA 14 Connector becomes GA 914, section 2.
GA 914, section 1 in LaGrange may be signed as U.S. 29 Connector

GA 30

Eliminated as an overlap of U.S. 280 and reassigned as a replacement for GA 27
Independent section of GA 30 west of Americus renumbered GA 160
GA 160 was previously used as a short business route in Forest Park and has been renumbered/decommissioned
Independent section of GA 30 east of GA 17 renumbered as GA 170 to match SC side
GA 170 was decommissioned/renumbered on Lookout Mountain as mostly GA 157 with remainder now a functionally local road (Old Durham Road)

GA 31

Currently an overlap with U.S. 221 with one bannered route
Proposed to be renumbered onto parts of current GA 23 and 129

GA 35

Currently an overlap with parts of U.S. 221, 319, and 441
Proposed to be renumbered onto current GA 85

GA 38

Currently an overlap with U.S. 84
Proposed to be renumbered onto current GA 24

GA 43

Currently an overlap of U.S. 378 with an independent section south of Lincolnton
Proposed to be removed from U.S. 378 with existing GA 43 reassigned as GA 143
GA 143 was previously used in Northwest Georgia, and was renumbered or removed in 1977

GA 50

Currently a portion remains along U.S. 82 west of Dawson
Will be removed as part of overlap removal

GA 58

Currently follows U.S. 11 in Dade County
New route to be assigned on current GA 76

GA 72

Part of a proposed relocation of U.S. 72, GA 72 would simply be "upgraded" to U.S. 72 along its entire route
The proposed U.S. 72 connection is between Scottsboro, AL and Athens, GA and is currently assigned other route numbers.

GA 73

Currently follows U.S. 301 in part
New route to be assigned on current GA 80 from Wrens to Washington

GA 89

Currently follows U.S. 441 south of Lakeland
New route to be assigned on current GA 59 north of GA 63

GA 247

Currently follows U.S. 129 between Hawkinsville and Macon with small independent section north of GA 87 to I-75
GA 247 Connector becomes a re-assigned GA 244 coupled with an extension west overlapping GA 49 to include all of GA 49 Connector
GA 244 was previously used for a route submerged by West Point Lake that was replaced by GA 109
GA 247 Spur, if retained, should become just GA 247. It is an old alignment of GA 247 and is a turnback candidate
GA 247 north of GA 87 should become GA 41 Connector signed as U.S. 41 Connector

GA 282

Currently follows U.S. 76 between GA 5/515 in Ellijay and U.S. 411
Would be removed along its current route, but the route designation would be reserved for an extension/re-designation along existing county roads west of U.S. 411

GA 365

Currently follows U.S. 23, 123, and I-985 (unsigned) between I-85 and the South Carolina line
Would be removed entirely along its current route

GA 369

Would be removed from the state system if either GA 98 is extended west along existing GA 369 or U.S. 72 is established in its place.
Independent portion north of U.S. 129 would be reassigned as either a restored GA 13 or GA 913 as well as Business Loop I-985

GA 385

Route was established only as a state overlap of U.S. 441 Business in Clarkesville in 1991
It should also be retired due to the potential of I-385 being assigned in GA along existing GA 316 in the future

GA 400

U.S. 19 should be moved entirely onto existing GA 400 south of I-285 with GA 9 taking over the remainder of U.S. 19 along Peachtree and Roswell Roads
All of GA 400 should become simply U.S. 19 with a public information campaign and large "FORMER GA 400" signs posted for at least 1-2 years
Consideration should be made to make GA 400 an interstate on the freeway portions such as I-785

GA 401-409 and 411-422

With the removal of state routes duplicating interstates, all secret 400 series routes need to be removed. If they are not removed, then GA 411 along I-185 needs to be reassigned since it relates to U.S. 411

GA 403 Spur

May be assigned as GA 85 Spur (unsigned)

GA 404 Spur

Route entirely follows U.S. 17 from I-16 in Savannah to SC state line

GA 410

Route should be removed from Stone Mountain Freeway since it is already U.S. 78, but it will be re-established on Freedom Parkway to replace the orphaned portion of GA 10
GA 410 along Freedom Parkway may be unsigned or assigned as I-75 Business Spur

GA 422

Remove extra designation along the Athens Perimeter and reassign GA 350 that was used on the perimeter originally

GA 515

GA 515 causes massive confusion due to its similarity to I-575
It also overlaps other routes (up to three) causing GA 5 and U.S. 76 to be diminished in importance when they are major routes causing confusion as to the actual locations of both routes
Since no GRIP corridors have been assigned since 515, it should be decommissioned
U.S. 76 and GA 5 may be done in blue with "Appalachian Highway" plaques to make up for the loss of the extra route
Extra "Appalachian Highway" or "APD HWY CORRIDOR A" signs may be used to indicate locations where turns exist or route designations change

GA 520

GA 520 was the only other GRIP corridor assigned, and it should also be removed
Most of GA 520 follows U.S. 82, and U.S. 82 should take precedence
Independent portion between Dawson and Richland should be reassigned back to GA 55
Independent portion east of U.S. 17 to Jekyll Island should be renumbered as GA 258
Existing "South Georgia Parkway" signs would be installed at locations where turns exist or route designations change to replace the 520 signs

Other GRIP corridors

None have been posted since 1989
GRIP corridors should use existing route numbers, but may have color-coded route signage and/or special text signage indicating the corridor name installed at locations where turns exist or route designations change

Net Route Numbers Made Available: 10, 12, 43, and 50

Numbers over 400 should not be available until current 400 series interstate overlaps are retired.

Toccoa demonstrates what happens when state overlaps are removed. GA 17 is replaced with GA 21, and the confusion of GA 17 Alt is replaced with a GA 21 Business route and an extended GA 63. GA 915 replaces GA 15 Connector and GA 15 Loop. GA 15 is an overlaps of U.S. 441 and must be reassigned. GA 915 in Cornelia would be mostly signed as "TO US 441 SOUTH" or "TO US 23 SOUTH" from the two endpoints of the route with the number either unsigned or only signed as reassurance signs. GA 915 in Tallulah Falls could be either signed, unsigned or signed as "SCENIC US 441". GA 15, 365, and 385 are all shown here as decommissioned (blank circles) requiring that motorists use only the U.S. route numbers assigned to those routes (U.S. 23, 123, 441, and 441 Business).

Removing state overlaps got more complicated in Washington and Lincolnton since GA 17 and 80 required renumbering while GA 43, 44, and 47 could not be removed from their respective routes without renumbering. GA 47 between Union Point (not shown) and Washington through Crawfordville is renumbered as GA 44 Alt. GA 80 becomes GA 73. GA 17 becomes GA 21. GA 43 is renumbered GA 143 with the designation trimmed from U.S. 378. GA 47 is ultimately relocated and takes over existing GA 79 with existing GA 43 Connector reassigned as GA 47 By-Pass due to the staggered connection over U.S. 378.

GDOT would do well to notice how much more useful this map would be if applied between Gainesville and Athens. In the early 1960's, dozens of routes were added willy-nilly, and this straightens it out. GA 98 gets a more logical endpoint connecting Gainesville to Commerce. GA 82, which must be renumbered, is replaced with GA 330, 207, and 982 with parts of existing 98 and 211 grouped into the new 207 to create a complete north-south route between GA 316 and Homer. GA 982 is assigned to GA 82 west of proposed GA 207 with the assumption that this road will likely go to the county soon, but GA 346 could also be re-assigned onto this route as well. GA 63 is also shown taking over GA 11 and 15 Alt, and U.S. 72 is shown overlapping U.S. 129...a proposed plan that extends U.S. 72 east from Alabama. However, that may also be GA 72 as well, following GA 369 to Canton. This also makes Jefferson a lot less confusing with GA 15 Alt and 11 Connector eliminated. GA 316 is shown here, but is also proposed to be replaced with just U.S. 29.

This sign in Jefferson fails for so many reasons: too much information, too difficult to quickly parse, too many bannered routes in small text, etc. In the proposed fix, the unnecessary GA 11 Business would be replaced with GA 63 continuing straight and GA 207 (currently GA 82) would be shown going straight and to the left. GA 15 Alt to the right is presently useless information since it is best known as U.S. 129.

With the route renumbering as shown in the map, suddenly the intersection begins to make a lot more sense. In addition, with fewer bannered routes to sign, perhaps proper M4-3 banners can be installed on BUSINESS routes.

OTHER ROUTE CHANGES

These are routes that will remain, but will be substantially truncated, modified, or extended to make these highways work:

GA 2

Existing GA 2 would be truncated so that its eastern terminus is at U.S. 411 in Cisco
It would be removed from U.S. 411, GA 52, and U.S. 76

GA 6

Existing GA 6 would be truncated so that its western terminus is at U.S. 78 in Austell where U.S. 278 joins and overtakes the route

GA 9

Existing GA 9 would follow only the old alignment of U.S. 19. Portions where U.S. 19 currently overlaps GA 9 would become just U.S. 19. This would truncate the route to between Dahlonega and Atlanta

GA 13

Existing GA 13 would be truncated to follow only the old alignment of U.S. 23 between Gainesville and GA 20 in Buford.
Portion south of U.S. 23 in Atlanta would become a possibly unsigned GA 913
GA 13 may also be re-extended north through Gainesville to replace GA 369 ending at I-985

GA 15

Much of GA 15 is independent, and what remains would go from U.S. 1 in Race Pond to U.S. 129/441 in Watkinsville

GA 21

GA 21 would be substantially extended from its current terminus in Millen to the North Carolina Border
It would follow all of current GA 17 from the North Carolina border to Wrens then split off and follow GA 80 and U.S. 25/GA 121 from Waynesboro to Millen
Existing GA 17 from Wrens to Millen on independent alignment would become part of GA 167

GA 22

GA 22 would be truncated so that its southern terminus is at U.S. 129 in Gray and would no longer follow U.S. 80

GA 24

Much of GA 24 is independent, but the section from Milledgeville to Watkinsville would be decommissioned as part of an overlap of U.S. 129 and 441
Independent section is proposed to be renumbered as GA 38 to eliminate interstate duplication

GA 26

GA 26 would be truncated so that its western terminus is at U.S. 80 west of Dudley

GA 42

GA 42 would be truncated so that its northern terminus is at U.S. 23 south of Jackson
Independent portion in Atlanta should be renumbered as GA 942 or a new route number such as U.S. 23 Connector

GA 44

GA 44 would be truncated south to end at GA 16 (proposed GA 8) in Eatonton
GA 44 would gain a new bannered route with GA 44 Alt between Union Point and Washington to overtake part of GA 47 (realigned to another route) and overlapped with a portion of U.S. 278

GA 47

GA 47 would be truncated south to end at U.S. 221 and would be extended north along existing GA 79 to end at GA 72 east of Elberton
GA 43 Connector would be reassigned as GA 47 By-Pass
GA 79 would be decommissioned and become an available route number as part of this change

GA 52

GA 52 would be truncated to west of Gillsville as part of the GA 98 relocation.
GA 98 would be relocated and extended as part of a series of route changes surrounding the renumbering of GA 82 to GA 207, 330, and 982

GA 53

GA 53 would be truncated so that its western terminus is at U.S. 27 in Rome

GA 55

GA 55 would be re-assigned and extended along present GA 520 between Dawson and Richland

GA 56

GA 56 would be truncated south to end at U.S. 221 north of I-16
Orphaned section extending from U.S. 221 to U.S. 280 in Reidsville would be reassigned as a relocated GA 147
Existing GA 147 from Reidsville to U.S. 1 would become a re-assigned GA 222
Former GA 222 was a short route in Meriwether County extending from GA 173 to GA 85 and is not federal-aid eligible

GA 63

GA 63 would be substantially extended south from its current southern terminus at GA 59 to overtake GA 59 south to Commerce, all of GA 15 Alt from Commerce to U.S. 441 Business in Jefferson, GA 11 Business from U.S. 129 Business to U.S. 129 in Jefferson, and all of GA 11 from U.S. 129 in Jefferson to U.S. 129 in Gray
The goal is to remove independent portions of GA 11 and 15 Alt between Gray and Commerce so that both can be decommissioned
GA 63 would also be extended north from its current terminus in Toccoa to overtake GA 17 Alt to end at U.S. 441 in Hollywood

GA 67

GA 67 would be truncated north to end at U.S. 25 Business in Statesboro

GA 68

GA 68 would include a disjunct section from U.S. 80 in Dublin to U.S. 23/341 in Lumber City replacing GA 19
GA 68 would be extended further along current GA 117 to end at U.S. 319/441 in Jacksonville (GA 117 would be truncated further west); this is done to make GA 68 a complete loop
GA 68 is designated as such in order to eventually connect to the existing GA 68; existing county roads that extend from Dublin to the southern end at GA 57 should be designated as County Route 68 (signed) until that transition is done

GA 69

GA 69 would be added along the short independent section of GA 75 from Cleveland to Helen, including an overlap up to current GA 75 Alt
GA 69 Alt replaces current GA 75 Alt from Cleveland to Robertstown
GA 69 was previously assigned to current GA 17 from U.S. 76 to the North Carolina line and was decommissioned in the late 1950's

GA 87

GA 87 would be removed from the state system as an overlap of other routes with exception of portion from Eastman to U.S. 280 that would be renumbered as GA 287
GA 87 Connector would be reassigned as GA 23 Connector signed as U.S. 23 Connector

GA 98

GA 98 would be substantially extended and relocated from its current terminus at GA 52 in Maysville to follow part of GA 52 and GA 323 to end at U.S. 129 south of Gainesville
Existing GA 98 north of Maysville would be reassigned as part of GA 207

GA 117

GA 117 was extended north along the Dublin By-Pass just to provide a state overlap for U.S. 441 and would be truncated back to its original northern terminus
GA 68 would replaced GA 117 along the southernmost portion between U.S. 319/441 in Jacksonville and U.S. 23/341 in Lumber City

GA 121

GA 121 is the only state overlap unaffected by this plan due to the fact it is a multi-state route functioning more as a defacto U.S. highway
However, a study should be conducted as to whether this route should be decommissioned in parts through the state and if Florida and South Carolina are invested in this route

GA 125

GA 125 would be extended from its current southern terminus at U.S. 41 in Valdosta to follow U.S. 41 along the Inner Perimeter Road and then replace the current independent section of GA 31 to end at the Florida State Line

GA 126

If GA 68 is not selected to follow current GA 19, GA 126 would be extended south along current GA 19 to end at U.S. 23/319 in Lumber City

GA 130

GA 130 would be relocated west of Vidalia in order to accommodate the removal of GA 135 in the area
It would follow existing GA 135 to GA 292 then replace GA 192 back to the existing GA 130 in Vidalia
Existing GA 130 east of GA 135 to present-day GA 130 would be renumbered as an extension of GA 297

GA 134

If GA 68 is not selected to follow current GA 19, GA 134 would be reassigned and extended from the GA 126 junction in Jordan to U.S. 80 in Dublin
This route ties into the existing Old GA 134 route on purpose to accommodate a county route carrying the same number

GA 135

GA 135 should be truncated so that its northern terminus is at U.S. 221/441 in Douglas
Independent part of GA 135 south of Vidalia should be renumbered as a relocated GA 130 with GA 297 extended over existing GA 130 between current GA 135 and the intersection of GA 130 and 297

GA 140

GA 140 should be truncated so that its western terminus is at I-75 in Adairsville with GA 72 or U.S. 72 replacing existing route west to U.S. 27

GA 143

GA 143 should be re-assigned to existing GA 43 from U.S. 78 to U.S. 378 replacing existing GA 43
Reassignment is needed due to shortening of the route; GA 143 was decommissioned in 1977 following mostly what is today GA 136 with other portions renumbered as other routes

GA 147

GA 147 needs to be relocated to replace current GA 56, which would otherwise be orphaned, from U.S. 221 to U.S. 280 in Reidsville
Current GA 147 would be renumbered as a re-assigned GA 222 from U.S. 1 to U.S. 280 in Reidsville through Stanley Store

GA 160

GA 160 needs to be re-assigned to existing GA 30 from U.S. 19 in Americus to GA 41 (proposed GA 7) south of Buena Vista
GA 160 was previously assigned to Main Street and Thurman Road in Forest Park, which has since been decommissioned/renumbered

GA 163

GA 163 needs to be re-assigned to replace existing GA 123 from GA 102 in Mitchell to GA 16 (proposed GA 8) due to duplication with U.S. 123
GA 163 was previously assigned to GA 85 Alt through Warm Springs and was decommissioned in the 1940's

GA 167

GA 167 needs to be re-assigned to existing GA 17 from I-16 in Bloomingdale to U.S. 1 in Louisville
GA 167 was previously assigned to GA 17 south of Millen in the 1940's prior to GA 17 overtaking the route and has not otherwise been reassigned
The one banner route, GA 17 By-Pass, would become GA 167 By-Pass

GA 170

GA 170 needs to be assigned to the eastern orphaned part of GA 30 when GA 30 is reassigned to GA 27 running from GA 17 (proposed GA 167) to GA 25
The SC side is already assigned as SC 170, and the Georgia side should match it
GA 170 includes a small extension eastward on what is currently GA 25 to join SC 170
GA 925 would take over the remaining part of GA 25 through Garden City
GA 170 was previously assigned to Old Durham Road and GA 157 on Lookout Mountain, and is not likely to be restored due to renumbering and functional classification change on Old Durham Road to local

GA 175

GA 175 needs to be re-assigned to the northern orphaned section of GA 75 from U.S. 76 in Hiawassee to the North Carolina state line
It is designed to tie into existing NC 175 with the same route number
Former GA 175 was decommissioned in the 1950's in Lanier County and is partially abandoned

GA 207

GA 207 is proposed to replace parts of GA 82, 98, and 211 between U.S. 29/GA 316 in Statham and GA 164 in Homer
GA 82 is a duplication of U.S. 82 and does not follow a logical route while GA 98 does not have a logical endpoint
It is proposed to follow existing GA 211 up to the intersection with GA 82 (proposed 330 extension), existing GA 82 to GA 82 Connector, GA 82 Connector to GA 98 in Maysville, and GA 98 to end at GA 164 in Homer

GA 210

GA 210 is proposed to replace the independent portion of GA 16 from U.S. 27 in Carrollton to GA 100 through Mount Zion
GA 210 was previously assigned to a small portion of what is currently GA 189 in Lookout Mountain

GA 222

GA 222 is proposed as a renumbering of all of existing GA 147
GA 222 was previously used on Jesse Cole Road in Meriwether County, a route decommissioned in 1986 that is not federal-aid eligible
The renumbering is necessary in order to move GA 147 onto current GA 56 between U.S. 280 in Reidsville and U.S. 221

GA 238

GA 238 is proposed as a renumbering of all of existing GA 84 in Gwinnett County
GA 84 duplicates U.S. 84 and is too short of a route to justify a major-sounding number
GA 238 was previously used on Glass Bridge Road in Troup County and was decommissioned in 1975 due to the route being severed by West Point Lake

GA 245

GA 245 is proposed as a renumbering of all of existing GA 185 in Charlton County due to duplication with I-185
GA 245 was previously used on existing GA 60 from Mineral Bluff to McCaysville and was decommissioned in 1977 when GA 60 was relocated

GA 258

GA 258 is proposed for what will be an orphaned portion of GA 520 from U.S. 17 to Jekyll Island
GA 258 was previously used in Troup County on what is now GA 54 from U.S. 29 in Hogansville to U.S. 27

GA 287

GA 287 is proposed to replace existing GA 87 from GA 117 south of Eastman to U.S. 280 east of Abbeville
This is due to the truncation of GA 87 to only this section as part of a removal of state overlaps, which is not a major enough route to justify a major-sounding route number
It is a potential turnback candidate with GA 117 becoming the only state route between the two cities

GA 295

GA 295 is proposed to replace the entire route of GA 95 in Walker County
GA 95 duplicates I-95 and is not a major enough route to justify a major-sounding number
GA 295 was previously used for a portion of what is now I-75 south of Atlanta and is not likely to be used as a 2di of I-95

GA 322

GA 322 is proposed to replace existing GA 86 that will be relocated onto an independent section of GA 19 between Soperton and Dublin
GA 322 was previously used on another portion of what is today GA 86 and was renumbered when GA 86 was extended

GA 344

GA 344 is proposed to replace existing GA 1 Loop in Rome that will need to be renumbered due to the elimination of GA 1 as an overlap of U.S. 27
GA 344 was previously used on U.S. 411 between Rome and Cartersville and was decommissioned in 1977 when GA 20 was relocated onto U.S. 411
The "Loop" designation is confusing/misleading, and the route has never been a complete loop for U.S. 27/GA 1

GA 346

GA 346 is the optional re-assignment for GA 82 (Holly Springs Road/Dry Pond Road) in lieu of 982 between GA 82 Connector and GA 323 in Hall and Jackson Counties
GA 346 was previously assigned to Pond Fork Church Road in Jackson County and ended into this route
This section of GA 82 proposed for GA 346 is also a turnback candidate

GA 349

GA 349 is the proposed re-assignment for GA 341 in Walker County
GA 341 is proposed for renumbering due to duplication with U.S. 341, both unique to the state
GA 349 previously followed Happy Valley Road from Flintstone to Rossville and was decommissioned in 1986 after completion of Battlefield Parkway/GA 2
The old route of GA 349 also could logically connect to the northern end of GA 341

GA 350

GA 350 is the proposed re-assignment to the Athens Perimeter
It was previously assigned to the northern part of the Athens Perimeter from U.S. 29/Atlanta Hwy to U.S. 441 in 1964, but was replaced with GA 8 when the route was completed to U.S. 29 (east)
It should be reassigned to replaced GA 10 Loop since GA 10 will be decommissioned as a state overlap of U.S. 78
GA 422 is not an acceptable replacement since 400 series overlaps are also proposed for removal in this plan
The designation is needed because the southwest quadrant is not assigned any other route number.

GA 359

GA 359 is the proposed re-assignment to GA 278 in Bleckley and Laurens County
Renumbering is due to duplication with U.S. 278
GA 359 was replaced with what is now GA 204 in Savannah after Abercorn Expressway was completed to I-95
The route is a turnback candidate due to lack of an interchange with I-16 and closely paralleling GA 26

GA 366

GA 366 is the proposed re-assignment to GA 378 in Gwinnett County
Renumbering is due to duplication with U.S. 378
GA 366 was replaced in the 1987 with what is now GA 77 in Hart County

GA 375

GA 375 is the proposed re-assignment to GA 301 in Dade County
Renumbering is due to duplication with U.S. 301
This number was deliberately chosen to relate with AL 75, which the route becomes south of GA 136
It was previously briefly assigned to what is now GA 39 from GA 27 in Georgetown to U.S. 27 north of Lumpkin

GA 901-982

These 900 series routes are proposed to replace bannered routes in many locations, especially U.S. routes stripped of state overlaps
Routes will not be detailed here

GA 30 being removed from U.S. 280 creates an opportunity to provide a better route number to tie into existing SC 170. However, it is plain to also see that GA 30 (shown here as 170) west of GA 21 is not on the shortest and best route meaning that a relocation to Pooler Parkway might come later. GA 925 is shown on the rest of what is currently GA 25 through Garden City, and another section that is currently GA 25 Connector would also be part of GA 925. GA 167 is restored here to what is currently GA 17.

A confusing MESS of overlapped routes around Vidalia is greatly simplified here. GA 29 is stripped from GA 15 making it one route. Due to the elimination of the northern part of GA 135, GA 130 is rerouted onto present-day GA 135 and 292 and GA 297 is extended. Along with the simplication of 15 and removal of 30 from U.S. 280, this makes the main intersection in Vidalia far less complicated. Also note the relocation of GA 147 due to the truncation of GA 56 with the current route of GA 147 renumbered. GA 31 pokes around the upper right on what is now confusing GA 129. In addition, the useless GA 23 overlap is stripped off of GA 57 and 121.

Route renumberings in Gwinnett County and surrounding areas are far less exciting: all done as a way to eliminate U.S. and state highway duplication. GA 50 is currently GA 20, GA 63 is currently GA 11, GA 238 is currently GA 84, and GA 366 is currently GA 378. GA 910 in Monroe is what is currently GA 10 Business, the murky area where a business route refers to the state overlap and NOT the U.S. route. If it cannot be made U.S. 78 Business, then the "old alignment" rule is the only logical solution.

NEW OVERLAPS CREATED THROUGH ROUTE EXTENSIONS

The idea behind GRIP corridors was to unify a long stretch of highway under one route number. While this is not always a good idea, in a few cases it would actually benefit the public to consolidate roads under one route number. However, in all of these cases any overlaps are not to follow the entire length of the route with any unnecessary overlaps decommissioned. Here are the proposed new overlaps:

GA 72/U.S. 72

If U.S. 72 is not approved as a route across North Georgia, extending GA 72 west to the Alabama border is another option
It would overlap U.S. 129, GA 20, I-75 and U.S. 27
It would replace most of GA 369, a portion of GA 140 west of I-75, and all of GA 48

GA 88

This route would be extended along the entire eastern leg of the Fall Line Freeway from Macon to Augusta
It would replace GA 243, but would follow parts of GA 24, 57, and U.S. 1
It would extend from I-16 in Macon to I-520 in Augusta

GA 96

GA 96 would be extended west from its current terminus at U.S. 80 to end at the Alabama state line joint with U.S. 80

Other future changes from new U.S. routes

New proposed U.S. routes will result in overlaps and replacements of other state routes making other major route numbers available

The Fall Line Freeway will one day in the future be I-14, but for now the use of GA 540 obviously did not work and is discouraged due to the proposal here to eliminate the only two GRIP routes. Thus, you have GA 57, 243, 24, and 88 all covering the route. This is one case where an added overlap makes sense (GA 88), which would replaced all of 243 and otherwise overlap with parts of 24 (renumbered to 38 here due to I-24), 57, and U.S. 1 to create a single route from Macon to Augusta. However, this should realistically become a new U.S. route of its own, such as U.S. 480.

WHY GO TO ALL THIS EXPENSE AND (TEMPORARY) PUBLIC CONFUSION?

The benefits of eliminating the state overlaps far outweigh the costs. Yes, the initial cost and initial public confusion will be substantial. Many things will commence with these changes:

The production of new signs or patches to cover existing signs
Posting "OLD/FORMER" banners when routes change
Public notices and in some cases meetings about the elimination of well known routes
Frustrated business owners having to change addresses in locations where the state route takes precedence (GA 87)
The field work required in removing, moving around and installing thousands of new signs.
Complex updates to interstate signs
The paperwork involved in decommissioning old routes and assigning new ones

The thing is, at the end of this process Georgia motorists will enjoy a far simpler highway system like those in 46 other states enjoy with hopefully better, more frequent, and more consistent signage. Roads that today carry 2-4 route designations for no particular reason will be pared down to 1-2 routes. There will be no confusion about which route number to call a road by anymore on most highways. It is 365 or 23? It is 400 or 19? Did you mean Georgia 27 or U.S. 27? Those kinds of problems will no longer exist. The state route number will be the same as the U.S. or interstate route number. U.S. 27 will equal State Route 27. I-75 will equal State Route 75. U.S. 411 equals State Route 411.

Which road should I call it? 23 or 365? Note that this needless duplication of GA 365 with U.S. 23 resulted in a far more expensive install than if this had just been U.S. 23. Overlaps cannot always be avoided, but needless ones should be. Imagine if the expense that went into this assembly had instead gone into larger directional guide signs.

At present, having so many road numbers makes emergency response more difficult, giving directions more complicated, and it costs a lot more to install and maintain. When many routes are clustered together with state overlaps, more important routes may not be signed properly or at all. At present, Georgia has already shown that posting all of these routes is becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Just adding a by-pass results in a crazy cluster of new bannered routes such as "11 Connector" for parts of the Perry and Jefferson By-Passes. It is not just an issue of unsigning them, either. These routes appear on maps as well if they are not removed. Tennessee does not sign their overlaps, but the highway system is still very confusing when they appear on maps, but not in the field. They just should not be there at all. Enough numbers are available to correct this problem.

In addition, eliminating the state overlaps will free up the lock that has existed for over 30 years on available numbers. At present, state route numbers below 400 are running out, the 400 and 500 series are accounted for, and the 600 series are too high of a jump. Eliminating these overlaps will free up the 400 and 500 series for proper system expansion and can hopefully begin the process of eliminating so many confusing bannered routes (SPUR, CONNECTOR, LOOP, etc.). For example, GA 39 Connector is 16 miles long! That is a highway of its own NOT a "connector". Most states assign original route numbers to routes as often as possible. The public does not always understand these banners, especially when the text is so small in the route signs or the route number refers to the lesser known state overlap. Plus, the addition of the 900 series routes provides the logic to use higher route numbers. If county/regional routes are also introduced, perhaps some can be assigned within that range as if they are state routes. This will help bridge maintenance gaps to avoid other overlaps.

A few cases exist where state overlaps take precedence over their U.S. routes, but this is not a good thing. Visitors to the state will not recognize this road as "400", and this duplication of routes is confusing. Sure, "400" is a big part of North Georgia's history, but it's time to retire the designation given that it was supposed to play second fiddle to U.S. 19 from the start. If we want a designation other than U.S. 19, then the freeway parts should be assigned as I-785.

If necessary, the process of removing state overlaps can be phased in. Start with a couple U.S. routes per year and get the public used to the changes instead of doing it all at once statewide. Make sure signage is in place showing the former route numbers for at least 1-2 years. After the U.S. routes and state duplicates are done, move onto the interstate duplicates. It can be a 10 year process to allow online mapping services to update effectively. The public will initially grumble, but will ultimately notice signage that is simpler and more to the point. If the process is followed like what is described and on more detailed maps that show every change, it will give Georgians much better state highway routes than they currently have today.

FURTHER INFORMATION

A far more detailed map showing all the changes needed to remove state overlaps is available, but it is too large to show here. Clips from that map were included here to explain the more complex renumbering situations. If interested, please inquire about the map and a copy will be sent to betterroadways@gmail.com.

Pages

Monday, November 27, 2017

Decluttering the state highways: Elimination of State Overlaps of U.S. and Interstate Routes