Smaller towns met with traffic congestion as people and jobs come to area

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – As more people move to live and work in the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry, more cars are making their way on the roads.

Because of this, cities outside of Savannah are experiencing heavy congestion on highways and other one or two-lane roads. This includes the cities of Port Wentworth, Rincon, Richmond Hill, Pooler and others.

“I think some of the actions that we’re taking are helping, but there’s only so much we can do with the volume of what’s happening here,” Port Wentworth City Manager Steve Davis said.

Many drivers there find themselves waiting in line on Highway 21, which brings in a bulk of the drivers from Effingham and other counties. A typical commute could take up to 20 or 30 minutes longer depending on the time of day.

Davis says the city has seen positive numbers with their new implementation of Chatham Area Transit buses there. He says the state is currently conducting a study to see how they can improve the interchange and widen Highway 21 between Highway 30 and the interstate.

He added that these projects could take years to be completed.

One major complaint from drivers is the big truck traffic, something Davis says is inevitable, being so close to the Port of Savannah.

“We’ve got one of the busiest ports in the world and our back door. Truck traffic is part of our way of life here. It’s unfortunate. We try and separate them as much as we can,” Davis said.

He says they are also looking to get some attention on Jimmy Deloach Parkway.

School zones can also be a headache in the afternoons. One of the worst areas, according to the people who live and work here, is Harris Trail Road in front of Richmond Hill High School.

Arianni Melvin says she prefers the interstate to these congested roads, which become dangerous with drivers slamming on their brakes to slow down.

“There’s buses that pull out in front of you and all these drivers, not to mention the school limit is 25 mph. Then, they’re driving even slower because the school buses and police directing traffic,” Melvin said.

Most of all, she says she avoids driving in Pooler, especially on Pooler Parkway. Quacco Road is one of the one-lane roads that led to the parkway. Mayor Karen Williams says crews will begin widening it by the end of 2025.