PORT WENTWORTH, GA – The City of Port Wentworth has received the green light from the Georgia Department of Transport (GDOT) to take responsibility for the part of Coastal Highway 25 that runs through the downtown area.
This announcement is a major step forward for downtown revitalization, allowing the City of Port Wentworth to reimagine the corridor from a truck-dominated thoroughfare to a vibrant, pedestrian-focused main street and business friendly commercial corridor.
GDOT is agreeable with the City of Port Wentworth’s request to assume local jurisdiction over the portion of State Route 25 which stretches from Grange Road to Bonnybridge Road. GDOT will coordinate with the City, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), and other jurisdictions to finalize the redesignation. The granting of the city’s request for the jurisdictional transfer of this part of SR25 significantly enhances the city’s ability to implement key elements of long-term transportation and downtown redevelopment plans.
“Thank you for sharing the City of Port Wentworth’s downtown vision plan for a pedestrian friendly commercial corridor,” said Chief Engineer at GDOT, Meg B. Pirkle. “GDOT appreciates the City of Port Wentworth’s partnership, and we look forward to working with you to help advance the City’s vision.”
The redesignation of SR 25 through downtown is a major, critical cornerstone of the City’s long-term revitalization strategy, supported by the 2024 Downtown Vision & Strategy plan, approved with support from residents and the Council. The plan prioritizes local control as a key catalyst for beautification, business attraction, walkability, and community pride. By transitioning Highway 25 from a state route to a locally governed roadway, Port Wentworth will begin to fully realize its potential as a connected community destination.
“This milestone is a result of preparation, planning, perseverance, and partnership with GDOT, state leadership and other committed individuals, in particular the Honorable Chair of GDOT’s Transportation Board, Ann R. Purcell and Commissioner Russel McMurray, who I thank for their ongoing support and engagement,” said City Manager, Steve Davis. “It is through strong partnerships like these that communities like Port Wentworth can thrive.”
These latest achievements continue the forward-thinking momentum for the City of Port Wentworth. GDOT’s decision will enable the City to offer downtown living to a diverse, thriving, population, where both residents and businesses have chosen, to live, experience and thrive.
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