See the documents relating to the feasibility study for Interstate 3 here

July 22, 2010 Press Release Interstate 3 Study Contract Awarded

WaysSouth recently learned that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has awarded a contract to ICF International of Fairfax, VA to conduct the study of Interstate 3 (I-3) planning, cost estimate and routing. The I-3 (Third Infantry Division Highway) study was originally introduced in 2005 by the late Charlie Norwood, then the Georgia District 10 Congressman. The study is funded by a $1.32 million earmark contained in the SAFETEA-LU Transportation Department funding Act of 2005 plus a 20% matching grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation. Authorizing legislation describes I-3 as “…a route from Savannah, GA to Augusta, GA and then to Knoxville, TN.” Routing originally proposed by the highway’s sponsors called for the interstate to cut through northeast Georgia and the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. Read the rest.... Jim Grode, Executive Director

Save the Date! October 30, 2010 On October 30, 2010 afternoon and early evening, WaysSouth will be hosting a "Learn about I-3" with several bands, a picnic, and other activites under the Oak Trees on Ezzard Farms on Old 441 South, Tiger, GA (just behind the Tiger Mountain Vineyards.)

 

Interstate 3 is a road proposed to run from Savannah to Knoxville via Augusta.

• A shorter interstate route from Savannah to Knoxville currently exists (I-95 to I-26 to I-40).
• The proposed highway threatens four National Forests and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The damage to the mountain ecosystem, water and air quality, endangered species, local economies, and the beauty of the region would be irreversible.
• The cost to build interstates through mountains is over $25 million per mile. Even non-mountain interstates cost $15 million per mile.

This website provides information about the Interstate 3 legislation, resolutions to opposed I-3 by local and regional government entities, and steps you can take to help stop this unwanted, unnecessary road.

The Stop I-3 Coalition works to protect the Southern Appalachians and Piedmont regions by preventing the construction of I-3 or any similar highway. Our supporters and supporting organizations bring diverse backgrounds and concerns. Please join us.

The Stop I-3 Coalition is a project of WaysSouth.

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The Stop I-3 Coalition continues to work to add new resolutions from cities, counties, regional planning organizations, and other government entities. If you would like to work on a specific county, please let us know. See the map of areas where resolutions are still needed.

Areas with Resolutions Opposing Interstate 3