GDOT looking for input on infrastructure projects for new Rivian plant location

WALTON COUNTY, Ga. — The planned $5 billion Rivian Electric Vehicle plant planned for a megasite 45 minutes east of Atlanta will require several transportation infrastructure improvements, and the Georgia Department of Transportation is looking for public input on its three newly proposed projects.

The projects include a new interstate exit off Interstate 20 at Old Mill Road, the widening of Highway 278 alongside the megasite and a brand-new frontage road just north of I-20.

GDOT has created a website that it hopes the public will go to for input on the proposed construction projects.

“We’ve designed this platform to be user friendly with displays, maps and all the materials,” GDOT spokesperson Natalie Dale said in a video message on the informational website.

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Channel 2 Action News talked to some residents in the town of Rutledge, who seem resigned that the plant, along with road construction, will come to their rural communities.

“It’s going to take a while,” said Shenna Franklin of Rutledge.

She received an informational card from GDOT through the mail.

“I got the little card in the mail the other day talking about the changes they were going to do to the roads and stuff. So that sounds very serious,” Franklin said.

GDOT is taking public input through the end of June. There will also be two public hearings on the projects on June 14 and June 15.

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