Recently there’s been a huge topic on the table in traffic news in the south: Interstate 14. If you’ve heard it mentioned but aren’t quite sure what it is or what’s going on–search no more! We’re here to break it down for you. Keep scrolling to learn all about I-14, what people are saying, and everything we already know about the plan.
What is Interstate 14’s plan?
First of all, what is I-14? I-14 is a proposed extensive “Forts to Ports” interstate concept that runs about 1,300 miles from Texas to Georgia.
In theory, it covers five states: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. The plan actually does not have any connection to Atlanta, but instead runs between Augusta to Columbus, through the middle of the state.
And for Georgia specifically:
According to the plan by the Gulf Coast Strategic Highway Coalition, the plan for Georgia would be as follows:
From the Alabama state border at the Chattahoochee River this section generally follows the Fall Line Freeway from Columbus to Augusta. Specifically it follows US 80 through Columbus and east to Geneva where it follows Georgia Routes 96, 49C and 49 then runs concurrently with I-75 and I-16 through Warner Robins and Macon. It then generally follows US 80 and US 57 before joining State Route 24 to near Wrens, then follows US 1 to the final terminus at I-520 in Augusta.
What are the supporters and adversaries saying?
Those in favor say:
Urbanize Atlanta reports, according to the Transportation Construction Coalition’s new analysis that I-14 would not only connect military installations, freight routes, ports and communities that do not currently have access to East-West connection, but the new interstate could also lower commute times and increase access for underserved & impoverished communities in Georgia’s more rural areas.
Some reports also claim that the opening of an interstate to the south could help reduce and ease traffic on Atlanta’s heavily congested Interstate 20.
Those opposed say:
According to Hoodline,
Georgia’s proposed section of Interstate 14 is at an early planning stage, but the state already has a central reason to question the project: a Georgia Department of Transportation analysis estimated that upgrading the corridor would cost roughly $5 billion and produce a low return on investment.
Other community members raise concerns that not only would this project not return much money to the community, but it would be terrible for the environment and climate.
Is any part of I-14 already open?
Yes, actually. Currently, there is a 25 miles stretch of I-14 that was completed in Texas in 2017. According to a report by Community Impact, the interstate could take 20 years to complete.
WSB-TV Atlanta states,
Congress must pass a long-term surface transportation reauthorization before the current law expires on Dec. 11, 2026, according to the coalition.
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