I-475 extension (Gray, Sardis, Payne: costs, cabin, move)

[MadDogTheArtist]

Too bad no one is trying to get I-475 extended to I-16. I'm thinking of all the log trucks going through downtown, on Rocky creek Rd and just about all over town. A direct route to Graphic packaging via a 475 extension with an exclusive exit would get those trucks off the streets of downtown, Log cabin Dr./Rocky creek Rd., Eisenhower, Mercer Uni Dr., Guy Payne Rd. and others. Gray Hwy would still be the same. And instead of going from Rocky creek to Ocmulgee East via I-75 & I-16 ; go Pio Nono to a new I-475 exit directly to Ocmulgee East passing by the only other exit for Graphic packaging and or a new industrial park. Yes an I-475 extension would be very expensive because nearly the entire thing would have to be a bridge from I-75 to I-16 but just think of the benefits it would create.

[midgeorgiaman]

Good thought, but the environmental costs and the actual costs are prohibitive. Between the wetlands, needed bridges, and future Ocmulgee National Park...this would be a very tough sell. The extended Sardis Church Rd out to 16 that the mayor is pushing would help. Also, the completion of 96 from 16 to 75 should remove the traffic heading south and west. I agree, we need to get the logging trucks off the city streets especially MLK downtown.