Southwest GA officials: extend I-185

Chamber of Commerce, local and county officials from Albany and surrounding areas say they want the state to extend I-185 down to I-10 in Florida, and route it through their area.

They met on Monday in Albany with Georgia Department of Transportation officials to discuss the proposal, which includes a 32-county area.

I-185 now runs from Lagrange to Columbus. The proposed extension would add about 180 miles to the route and take it all the way to Tallahassee.

Dan Bollinger, director of the Southwest Georgia Regional Development Center says a projected population of over a million people by 2040 makes the highway essential:

“If we have expanded transportation capabilities, I think it would enhance our ability to attract new industry to this area, and really maintain and enhance our growth rates in the future.”

Bollinger says the road would also serve Homeland Security needs, since there are several military installation along the way.

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I-85 dubbed 'Scenic Byway'

Georgia's interstate highway system. Click on the map for more information. (DOT)

The Georgia Department of Transportation has named I-185 a Scenic Byway, ensuring that billboards and other visual blight will not be allowed along the thoroughfare.

The highway passes through Troup, Harris and Muscogee counties, and ends at Ft. Benning, near Columbus.

GDOT Board member Sam Wellborn says of the move:

“This is a very important event for our entire region, not only will this designation preserve an already prestigious corridor but it will forever prevent billboards and will increase tourism.”

GDOT Commissioner Harold Linnenkohl will present a proclamation to Wellborn and Gloria Weston-Smart, Executive Director of Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, in support of the I-185 Scenic Byway designation, at a ceremony in Atlanta on Thursday. A ceremony will be held Friday morning at a welcome center along exit 12.

The interstate joins seven other similarly-designated state roads, and the group says the title will be listed on state and federal maps.

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