Roadway Defects in the I-16 and I-95 Road Project

By Ben Sessions on January 22nd, 2023 in Car / Auto Accident, Personal Injury

The 16@95 Improvement Projects is a road construction project that aims to improve traffic flow and enhance safety along I-16 and I-95, which is one of the busiest freight corridors in Georgia and the gateway to the growing port in Savannah. The project includes reconstructing the interchange at I-16 and I-95 in Chatham County to increase operational efficiency and safety for passenger cars and trucks, widening I-16 to relieve traffic congestion. The project includes widening the I-16 corridor from two to three lanes in each direction, replacing loop ramps with a “partial turbine” configuration, adding a collector-distributor lane, adding lighting, and installing Intelligent Transportation Systems technology. Additionally, ramp meters will be installed at SR 307/Dean Forest Road and Chatham Parkway on-ramps, a two-lane emergency-use median crossover will be constructed, and 12 bridges will be constructed or rehabilitated.

The I-16 and I-95 road project is an improvement project that began in January 2020. It aims to widen the I-16 mainline corridor from two to three lanes in each direction, replace existing loop ramps with a “partial turbine” configuration, add a collector-distributor lane, add lighting, install Intelligent Transportation System technology, install ramp meters and construct a two-lane emergency-use median crossover on I-16 between I-95 and SR 307/Dean Forest Road. Additionally, the project will also construct or rehabilitate 13 bridges throughout the project limits. The project was awarded to Savannah Mobility Contractors (SMC), a joint venture of Dragados USA and Prince Contracting LLC in 2018.

Serious Injury or Death Caused by Roadway Defects in the I-16 and I-95 Road Project

To make a roadway design defect claim, the following steps should be taken:

1. Gather evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible about the accident, such as photographs of the accident scene and the roadway, witness statements, and any police reports.
2. Identify the responsible parties: Determine who was responsible for designing, building, or maintaining the roadway. This may include the government agency responsible for the roadway, the contractor who built the roadway, and/or the company that designed the roadway.
3. Hire an attorney: It’s recommended to hire an attorney who has experience handling roadway design defect cases. They can help you understand your rights and options, and can help you navigate the legal process.
4. File a claim: File a claim with the government agency or private entity that is responsible for the roadway. Your attorney can help you with this process.
5. Investigate the claim: The government agency or private entity will investigate the claim and determine if there is any liability. They may also conduct their own investigation and inspect the roadway to determine if there are any defects.
6. Negotiate a settlement: If the government agency or private entity determines that there is liability, they may offer a settlement. Your attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement.
7. File a lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached, you may need to file a lawsuit. Your attorney will guide you through the process and represent you in court.

It’s important to note that the process of making a roadway design defect claim can be complex and time-consuming, and the specifics of the process will depend on the circumstances of your case and the laws of your state. It’s important to seek legal advice to understand your rights and how to move forward with your claim.