First Phase of Chatham County-Funded Project Expected to Be Completed
By December 2010
GARDEN CITY, Ga. – Road improvements along Dean Forest Road in Garden City have officially begun. The project, which is funded by Chatham County, is expected to be completed in three phases, significantly improving the stretch of roadway from I-16 to Ogeechee Road.
“This project is being paid for by Chatham County, rather than the Department of Transportation, which is extremely unusual,” said Brian Johnson, City Manager of Garden City. “We appreciate the fact that Chatham County officials made the decision to keep this project on the capital improvement list.”
The first phase, overseen by Chatham County engineer Al Bungard, involves grading and installing three arched bottomless culverts along the Hardin Canal area near the Dead Man’s Curve on Dean Forest Road. Phase one will improve significantly roadway drainage along Dean Forest Road. That portion of the project is expected to be completed by December 2010.
The second and third phases of the project, which may be undertaken simultaneously in the future, involve widening Dean Forest Road from two lanes to four lanes with a median from Ogeechee Road to the Dead Man’s Curve area near the Hardin Canal and from the Dead Man’s Curve area to I-16. Traffic signals and new turn lanes will also be installed at the intersection of Dean Forest and Ogeechee Road.
The stretch of Dean Forest that runs from I-16 to the Hillcrest Abbey West Cemetery, located at 1336 Dean Forest Rd., will conform to an urban design standard, which includes a tree-lined shoulder, landscaped median and sidewalks for pedestrians and bicyclists.
“The area of Dean Forest Road that runs past the Garden City Town Center and the Southbridge entrance will have a much warmer, pedestrian-friendly feel,” said Johnson. “We want to emphasize the rich community heritage of Garden City and to help make our new town center a true destination in Chatham County.”
The improvements along Dean Forest Road reflect the larger changes taking place in Garden City. This West Chatham County municipality opened a new City Hall and Garden City Town Center in 2009, which Governor Sonny Perdue hailed as “a shining example” for the rest of Georgia.
“We’re delighted to see these road improvements taking shape,” said Johnson. “This is one of a number of exciting changes we expect to see in Garden City in 2010 and beyond.”
ABOUT GARDEN CITY:
Located in the heart of Chatham County, Garden City stands apart as one of the leading municipalities in coastal Georgia. Featuring a progressive blend of industry and small business, Garden City boasts a rich history, friendly neighborhoods, vibrant economy and quality services for residents. Originally founded in 1939, Garden City has the distinction of being the second largest municipality in the state of Georgia with no property taxes. Defined by responsive, visionary leadership, Garden City is currently building an innovative mixed-use Town Center near I-16, which will serve as the new home of the municipality’s City Hall. For more information about Garden City, please call 912.966.7777 or visit http://www.gardencity-ga.gov/ online.