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VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) announced that motorists who deal with traffic congestion and delays on State Route 7 Business in the Five Points area in Valdosta will experience some relief soon.

According to GDOT, in June, GDOT awarded a $16 million contract to the lowest qualified bidder, Reames and Son Construction Co. Inc. The construction start date has not yet been announced, but the work is scheduled to be complete in early 2029.

“The awarding of this project represents a major step forward in enhancing traffic safety and improving the overall flow of transportation in Valdosta,” said Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson. “The project is a testament to the state’s commitment to infrastructure that supports growth and long-term sustainability.”

According to GDOT, the construction would convert the two signalized intersections to roundabouts.

“We are excited to be able to bring this innovative transportation solution to the Five Points area of Valdosta,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry. “Roundabouts have been installed across Georgia and have been shown to increase safety, improve mobility and reduce congestion. We anticipate this project will bring tremendous improvements to this vital area of one of Georgia’s great cities.”

According to GDOT, the multi-lane roundabouts will be 170 feet in diameter with a 12-foot truck apron. They will be placed in:

• SR 7 BUS/Ashley Street at SR 7 Alternate/Patterson Street/Smithbriar Drive/Brookfield Road and
• SR 7 BUS/North Valdosta Road at North Oak Street Extension

“The roundabouts will reduce the number of spots where vehicles could collide, which can reduce the severity of crashes in addition to the number and frequency. This is because drivers travel at slower speeds in the same direction in a roundabout. If a crash occurs, it is generally rear end or sideswipe in nature. Left-hand, right-angle (T-bone) and head-on crashes are virtually eliminated by a roundabout.”

GDOT says that at intersections where roundabouts have been installed to replace traffic signals, research shows that crashes of all types are reduced by over 40% and injury crashes are reduced by over 65%.

Additionally, the delays that drivers experience during the morning and afternoon peak hours are expected to go down.

“I am sure there will be a learning curve involved in getting used to driving through the two roundabouts but over time it addresses many long-term goals such as traffic control and safety. In addition, with Exit 22 and North Valdosta Road as the main gateway to Valdosta, these roundabouts located at Ashley and Patterson Streets will become important, recognizable and unique landmarks for our city and for Five Points,” Golden said.

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