Ramping Up

This is the day Augusta drivers find out just how much they like the I-20 construction work through town.

You've seen the trees come down, the orange barrels go up, and now it's time to close a ramp. One of the I-20 entrance ramps from Washington Rd. toward Atlanta is closing. That means you'll have to backtrack along Stevens Creek and Claussen Roads to get onto I-20 from the River Watch Parkway ramp.



Good luck! It will probably take some getting used to for many drivers. After all, we're creatures of habit even on the road. Already we've received comments about scofflaws that will just turn west onto I-20 from Washington Rd. at the other ramp near the Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts. I imagine we will see some of this because some people are always in a hurry. The merchants along the south side of Washington may also see an increase in people turning around in their parking lots until folks get used to the change.

However, like anything else, we'll get used to the changes, which will last for about 18 months, according to the DOT. However, those timetables are always subject to change too. Now you have to wonder about what will happen next. Every day to come to work I drive on Washington and use the I-20 eastbound ramp to head to North Augusta. Will that close in the future? I'm already taking Broad St. and Washington Rd. home because I don't want to fool with 20 or River Watch, which are now both construction zones. I'm already trying to avoid the Bobby Jones area completely.

Bottom line: There's construction someplace every day. We'll deal with it...we'll be angry or frustrated when we get caught in a delay, but it's a fact of life. Just think how nice it will be when it's all finished, and we have three lanes each direction on I-20 through Augusta and wider bridges.

Of course, by that time, there will be construction someplace else.

Tom Campbell, News 12