MACON, Ga. — 13WMAZ is hearing from many listeners about concerns regarding the I-16, I-75 interchange, and the construction around that area.
Many wrote about when there will be smoother roads between Pierce Avenue and the I-75/16 split.
Adam Parsons asked, "Why can't the DOT repave the north bound lanes of I-75 from I-16 to Pierce Ave? That piece of the interstate is worse than a gravel road. Potholes and uneven pavement make for a scary ride."
Construction is still ongoing on the 21 bridges in the interchange project. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), phases 1-5 are in the construction phases. Phase 6 is next, and is related to Parsons' question.
According to GDOT, phase 6 "consists of capacity improvements to I-75 NB and SB from the I-16 Interchange to Pierce Ave." The project is scheduled to be bid for a construction contract in fiscal year 2026.
Gina Snider with GDOT says the next phase will help this area.
"That's gonna transform that whole corridor to expand capacity and safety in that high-traffic area, improve access to the commuters and local travelers, and then continue with our in infrastructure upgrades that align with long-term regional mobility plans. Basically that all means it's gonna help with the high-traffic area and as that Macon an area grows," Snider said.
Kimberly Cox commutes to Macon from Warner Robins for work. She says before the split, she sees trouble.
"It gets really backed up during certain times of day, whenever it's normally busy. Once you get to the split, if you've lived here for a long time, sometimes it can be confusing," Cox said.
Viewers have shared with 13WMAZ that the road is patchy and congested, and signage is confusing. Cox says it wasn't always like this.
"Whenever it first started, it was not a comfortable road to drive on, but whenever they started doing it more, it's a little smoother now. There are still parts of it that I feel like they need to work on," Cox said.
GDOT says road change and improvements will come in 2026.