Work is beginning on a $261 million project to overhaul the intersection of Interstate 16 and Interstate 95 near Savannah.
A giant crane and other machinery have arrived to start driving piles for the work, the Georgia Department of Transportation said.
Test pilings will begin to be driven this week. The pilings will support new bridges at the interchange.
The project includes widening I-16 to three lanes each way from I-95 to Interstate 516. The project will also replace two loop ramps on the west side with new ramps and build a new lane on I-95 to separate vehicles exiting and entering I-16. It includes building three new bridges, replacing four bridges and reconstructing six bridges.
The project will also add lights to the interchange and build an emergency crossover on I-16 to help reverse southbound lanes to northbound during hurricane evacuations.
The state has said much of the work will be done at night, with none planned during morning and evening rush hours.
Savannah Mobility Contractors, a joint venture of Dragados USA and Prince, won the contract from Georgia to design and build the project.
Work is supposed to be completed in 2022.
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