One of Savannah’s major infrastructure projects received a key boost in funding last week.
The City of Savannah was awarded an $11 million grant for improvements to DeRenne Avenue, according to a press release from U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock’s office. The new funding will support right-of-way acquisition for the improvement project, the press release said.
“Upgrades to this central corridor will promote economic opportunity, improve safety, and reduce traffic for Georgians across Savannah,” said Warnock in the press release.
The grant is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grant program, which is funded
through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in November 2021. Both Warnock and Sen. Jon Ossoff supported the legislation.
DeRenne Avenue is one of the city’s most critical transportation corridors with proximity to both Candler Hospital, Memorial Health University Medical Center and Hunter Army Airfield. The avenue is also a critical east-west corridor connecting Interstate 516 to La Roche Avenue at the City of Savannah’s eastern municipal boundaries.
The new funding will help progress the city’s Project DeRenne a multi-part initiative aimed at reducing congestion along the corridor. The road currently experiences significant congestion during peak driving times, particularly at the intersection with Montgomery Street.
“DeRenne Avenue carries regional significance, but it’s also the way that our residents rely on every day to get to work, school and home,” said Savannah Mayor Van Johnson in the press release. “This project continues to be an incredible example of partnership, and we’re proud to keep it moving forward.”
Project DeRenne’s primary initiative is to create a connection, known as the boulevard, from Interstate 516 to White Bluff Road that bypasses two traffic lights on the avenue. The recent grant announcement will specifically advance the boulevard component, according to the press release.
Project implantation is undergoing a 5-phase process, according to the city’s project website. The project is currently in Phase Three, which involves environmental review, design and authorization of right-of-way acquisition.
Phase Four will entail design finalization, with the final phase ending with construction and implementation. The current project timeline on the city’s website projects right-of-way acquisition to begin in summer of 2028.
In addition to the boulevard, Project DeRenne also entails enhanced pedestrian facilities and intersection improvements from the Truman Parkway to Montgomery Street.
Evan Lasseter is the City of Savannah and Chatham County government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at ELasseter@savannahnow.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah's Project DeRenne receives funding boost with federal grant
