Traffic concerns at Grovetown intersection could be minimal for drivers

Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018

News 12 @ 6 O’clock / NBC 26 at 7

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- People say it can get especially busy when school lets out since there’s an elementary school nearby. The backup on Robinson makes it nearly impossible to turn off of Katherine, but not anymore. A new signal light is live and has been working smoothly since early Thursday morning.

Deena Youngblood, a Grovetown resident for more than 20 years, makes a dangerous turn every single day.

"Oh gosh, it's so crazy. Is frustrating some mornings because I'm a nice driver I will let people out, but people behind me will be blowing horns," she says.

Growing pains affecting drivers from Wrightsboro Road all the way to Gordon Highway.

"I would say it probably adds, if you're going Robinson all the way to Fort Gordon, you're probably adding a good 15 to 20 minutes to your commute every day. And that's if you don't have a minor traffic accident."

So you can imagine why many have been frustrated after 16 months of delays.

"It's a complicated process and it's frustrating for folks who live in it every day and we understand that. There were some extensive utility relocation delays that knocked this back almost 16 months,” says Kyle Collins, Georgia DOT Communications.

Until now. For many, the street light on Robinson may appear normal, but if you live in Grovetown, you know, this green light is way more than that.

"I'm just glad! I'm so happy that we have the light. I'm going to feel better in the mornings when I can at least know that I'm going to go from red to green and not just have to sit there indefinitely."

"You saw pedestrian accommodations added bike lanes added, so sidewalks, bike lanes, the realignment, new traffic signal here at Katherine St."

The light at the end of the tunnel.

"I think my commute time and it'll make people a lot nicer in the mornings. And maybe more patient and not frustrated and maybe not needing as much coffee in the morning. Maybe they'll start their day off a much better way."

Construction is complete on Robinson. The road has been widened and sidewalks have been added in. GDOT says the only thing left to do is striping.

This was the last part of an almost 5 million dollar project funded by the TIA Penny Sales Tax, proof of where your money is going.