GDOT details I-16/I-75 work zone safety protocols amid driver concerns

A 41NBC email exchange with GDOT details lighting, signage and inspection requirements in the I-16/I-75 construction zone.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A series of emails between 41NBC and the Georgia Department of Transportation shows how the agency applies work zone safety rules in the ongoing I-75/I-16 interchange project.

The exchange began August 6, the day a truck driver died in a crash in the construction zone. According to Georgia State Patrol, the truck left the roadway, traveled onto the left shoulder and hit a construction barrier, then moved across to the right shoulder and struck another barrier before coming to a stop. As of this report, GSP has not revealed what caused the truck to leave the roadway.

After the crash, readers commented about the area’s lighting, signage and lane configuration, and one truck driver contacted 41NBC directly with concerns about driving conditions through the interchange.

41NBC emailed GDOT with three questions:

• What safety protocols are in place before and through the interchange (specifically lighting and signage – lane shifts, closures, exits, etc.)?
• Who is responsible for monitoring and adjustment, especially at night, after rain or after lane shifts?
• Are any improvements in the works to help drivers, especially those not from the area, get through safely?

In its initial reply, GDOT pointed to its Drive Alert Arrive Alive campaign, Work Zone Safety Program and Special Provision Section 150, a section of state roadwork contracts that outlines traffic control standards. GDOT said all traffic devices are set according to the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and Special Provision Section 150, and that contractors employ a certified Worksite Traffic Control Supervisor to oversee implementation and emergency response.

41NBC followed up citing Section 150.1.04 of the Special Provision, which requires weekly nighttime inspections in interstate work zones, and Section 150.3.01.K, which outlines lighting requirements during nighttime work. We also cited viewer reports of exit signs being placed too far from Exit 2 on I-16.

GDOT said the most recent inspection was submitted the previous week with no deficiencies, that the lighting clause applies only where the contractor is actively working and that there is an Exit 2 sign at the exit. The agency added improvements are made daily “as necessary.”

While GDOT’s responses indicated required inspections and safety measures were in place, 41NBC asked the agency if it had internal policies for lighting stretches of roadway where lane shifts and barriers remain in place, even when no crews are present. In GDOT’s response, it cited Section 150.3.01.A: Outdoor lighting is considered a safety feature for welcome centers, rest areas and weigh stations, and said “for typical roadway projects, new street lighting is not considered a safety feature, unless specifically noted in the plans or in special conditions.”

According to GDOT, the massive I-16/I-75 Interchange Improvement project began in 2017 to widen and reconstruct sections of both interstates in Macon-Bibb County. Phases 2 and 3 are scheduled for completion this fall, while Phases 4 and 5 are scheduled for completion in Fall 2026. Phase 6 is still in design/pre-construction.

According to GDOT’s Work Zone Safety Program page, updated in April, 63 GDOT employees and contractors have died in work zone-related incidents since 1973, when accurate record-keeping began. In 2024, there were 12,345 crashes in Georgia work zones, resulting in 4,685 injuries and 40 deaths. The department says 53% of work zone crashes involved roadway departure and rear-end collisions.

Full question and answer exchange:

Q: What safety protocols are in place before and through the interchange (specifically lighting and signage – lane shifts, closures, exits, etc.)?
A: All traffic control devices are implemented per the applicable manual of uniform traffic control devices, as well as GDOT Special Provision 150, which is part of the contract between the state and the contractor building the project.

Q: Who is responsible for monitoring and adjustment, especially at night, after rain or after lane shifts?
A: In accordance with the special provisions 150, previously spoken of, the contractor employs a certified work site traffic control supervisor who is charged with the implementation of traffic interruptions as well as responding to emergency situations.

Q: Are any improvements in the works to help drivers, especially those not from the area, get through safely?
A: During any operation that will be exposed to the traveling public, applicable signs are placed, as well as digital message boards.

Q: Section 150.1.04 says the certified Worksite Traffic Control Supervisor (WTCS) is required to conduct weekly nighttime inspections on interstates and file TC-1 reports. Can you confirm when the most recent nighttime inspection happened in this stretch and whether any deficiencies were reported?
A: The most recent inspection was submitted last week with no deficiencies reported.

Q: We’ve received reports that temporary exit signs are sometimes placed well before the actual exit (E.g. Exit 2 on I-16 E), without reinforcement at the exit itself.
A: We double checked and there is an exit 2 sign at the exit.

Q: Section 150.3.01.K refers to lighting requirements during nighttime work. Is the lighting in place right now compliant with GDOT’s work zone lighting expectations?
A: This section is referring to lighting to perform work by the contractor.

Q: Are any improvements being evaluated following Wednesday’s fatal crash?
A: Improvements are made daily as necessary, whether it be maintenance of devices that are currently in place or adding devices beyond requirement to make the work more navigable.

Q: Given the current I-16/I-75 configuration, where lane shifts and barrier changes extend well beyond where active work is happening, does GDOT have any policies or internal guidelines on lighting those areas for driver navigation and visibility, even when no crews are present?
A: According to the contract Section 150.3.01.A Outdoor lighting shall be considered as a safety feature for welcome centers, rest areas, and weigh station projects. For typical roadway projects, new street lighting is not considered a safety feature, unless specifically noted in the plans or in special conditions.