By Barbara Augsdorfer, editor for the Effingham Herald

SPRINGFIELD – During its regularly scheduled meeting Jan. 7, the Effingham County Board of Commissioners approved a construction contract for Dublin, Georgia-based Moye Electric for the installation of a traffic signal at one of the county’s most hazardous intersections.

The scope of work includes meeting Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) specifications to improve traffic flow and safety at the junction of GA Hwy 21 and McCall Road. The project aligns with county goals for transportation safety improvements and fulfills local planning priorities.

The cost of the project is just under $421,000 and is included in the 2025 budget.

The Hwy. 21/McCall Road intersection safety improvement has been on the county’s transportation plan for several years. The county received approval from Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to take charge of the project last year.

After a fatal crash last June, the county took the lead in pushing for a traffic signal at the intersection. Now that the bid has been awarded, the signal project has a 90-day time frame and should be completed by late April.

By separating the traffic-signal project from other improvements in the works for McCall Road and Courthouse Road, the signal will be in place “a year early” said County Manager Tim Callanan at a transportation forum last August.

The future work at Courthouse Road and McCall includes a roundabout and turning lanes.