• GDOT awarded Valdosta $36.2 million to improve the Jerry Jones Drive corridor.
• Improvements include a new left lane and sidewalk for pedestrians.
• Watch the video to learn more about the improvements.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT

“I love this community, but we have outgrown some of our traffic needs.”

Tim Golden doesn’t just work with our state’s transportation services; he grew up here in Azalea City, near Jerry Jones Road and Walden.

“I’ve seen Valdosta grow. I remember when the mall wasn’t there. I remember the interstate being built nearby. Valdosta has changed dramatically, but it’s changed completely.”

He’s spent the last nine years working to bring the Jerry Jones Drive expansion project to fruition, and now he’s seeing it officially come to fruition.

“Oh my god. This makes you see that hard work pays off. This perseverance pays off.”

And it will pay off.

This Georgia Department of Transportation project will improve mobility by building a two-way left turn lane on the existing two-lane Jerry Jones Drive and Eager Road.

The contract also includes the relocation and adjustment of overhead and underground utilities, including:

• City of Valdosta water and sewer facilities
• Georgian Power
• AT&T
• Southern Company Gas

GDOT commissioner Russell McMurray told me Jerry Jones would be an added bonus for neighbors because it’s surrounded by residential areas.

“It’s going to be really helpful for pedestrians to now have a sidewalk to walk on and to connect that together. It’ll really make the area look nice and vibrant and again provide mobility for cars and people walking, rolling or cycling.”

He asks because this will take approximately three years to complete…

“…for people’s patience. This will take a long time.”

GDOT anticipates completion of this project in September 2028. I’m Malia Thomas reporting for ABC27 in Valdosta.