traffic

There were 224 accidents along the corridor from 2013-23, resulting in 80 incidents with injury and one fatality, according to GDOT. It warns that without the project, “safety and traffic operations are not expected to improve along the corridor.” (Graphic/Mia Fishman)

There were 224 accidents along the corridor from 2013-23, resulting in 80 incidents with injury and one fatality, according to GDOT. It warns that without the project, “safety and traffic operations are not expected to improve along the corridor.” (Graphic/Mia Fishman)

GDOT studies proposed turn lane on US 78

Mia Fishman
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has a plan to reconfigure a portion of U.S. Highway 78 by adding a two-way left turn lane, a center lane that both directions of traffic would be able to use for left turns. The lane would stretch 2.
Holtzclaw

Holtzclaw

School officials: Car rider changes work

McCain Bracewell
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
The revised car rider line implemented at Oglethorpe County Elementary School last Wednesday has been successful in solving traffic congestion, school officials said.    The plan directed afternoon car riders off Fairground Road and around the transportation department building.
The arrows on this image show the revised car-rider line at Oglethorpe County Elementary School, which was to take effect on Wednesday afternoon. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

The arrows on this image show the revised car-rider line at Oglethorpe County Elementary School, which was to take effect on Wednesday afternoon. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Traffic forces adjustment to car-rider line

McCain Bracewell
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
The first week of back-to-school traffic proved challenging for Oglethorpe County officials.    Superintendent Beverley Levine and school staff met with Oglethorpe County Sheriff David Gabriel on Tuesday morning to discuss traffic concerns at all of the schools.
(Infographic/Amanda Bright)

(Infographic/Amanda Bright)

State Route 77 closure to affect travel into Elbert County

Jalen Beckford
Thursday, October 13, 2022
State Route 77 in Elbert County will be closed from Oct. 13-17, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).   The closure will likely only affect Oglethorpe County residents heading into Elbert County, said Allen Long, highway maintenance foreman.
The rumble strips on Beaverdam Road have been a source of issues for residents since they were installed earlier this year. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

The rumble strips on Beaverdam Road have been a source of issues for residents since they were installed earlier this year. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Mistake leads to more rumble strip issues

Wade Cheek
Thursday, August 18, 2022
The rumble strip saga has taken a new twist.   The rumble strips on both ends of Beaverdam Road that caused a stir among residents who said they were too loud, were recently filled in an effort to make them more quiet.
Alan Johnson, pictured, and his wife, Cindy, have lived in the Smithonia community for almost 30 years. When the new rumble strips were installed, he bought a decibel meter to measure the noise. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Alan Johnson, pictured, and his wife, Cindy, have lived in the Smithonia community for almost 30 years. When the new rumble strips were installed, he bought a decibel meter to measure the noise. (Photo/Dink NeSmith)

Rumble strips live up to their name

Wade Cheek
Thursday, August 4, 2022
Read more: Mistake leads to more rumble strip issues   Residents who live on and near Beaverdam Road have voiced their complaints to the Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners due to rumble strips causing loud and disruptive noise at the intersection of Beaverdam and Crawford Smithonia Road.

Motorcycle joins sheriff’s office, makes quick impact

Caitlin Farmer
Thursday, June 30, 2022
The Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office’s new motorcycle helped make a traffic stop before it officially reported for duty.    Sheriff David Gabriel said he was driving the motorcycle back from being repainted and was behind a woman who was swerving into oncoming traffic.
(Jamie Miller/The Oglethorpe Echo)

(Jamie Miller/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Flock cameras help spot crime, increase safety

Jamie Miller
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Flock cameras have made an impact in Oglethorpe County.   The cameras, which were installed eight months ago, have assisted in 130 traffic tickets, seven arrests for suspended licenses and one arrest for a stolen vehicle in the past six months, 911 Director James Jackson said.