The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is planning to revise the State Highway System by adding the Jimmy DeLoach Parkway as State Route 17 and removing State Route 204 Spur and a section of State Route 204 from the State Highway System, within the City of Savannah and Chatham County.  Staff is recommending the approval of this action, in an effort to convey the importance that Jimmy DeLoach Parkway plays on our regional transportation network.  Jimmy DeLoach serves as a regional freight mobility corridor into the Georgia Port Authority, and as such, GDOT is better equipped to provide the necessary long-term planning and maintenance requirements for the Parkway.

This action will move the City of Savannah closer to achieving Strategic Goal 2.1 "Resurfacing Savannah Streets."  Abercorn Street (Highway 204) supports vehicles more consistent with communities our size (cars, vans, and light trucks).  This action further allows staff to target our limited resources on local roadways, like Abercorn Street, and ensure they are placed into our 20-year maintenance rotation schedule.

Upon approval, Jimmy DeLoach Parkway will become a State Highway, and as a result the State will control all future decisions related to planning and maintenance for the Parkway.  It should be noted that GDOT Commissioner, Russell McMurry, has already approved this plan.

Approval