A new proposal suggests that a major interstate expansion could bring a significant transportation corridor through Lamar County.
According to documents that were leaked by an anonymous source at the Georgia Department of Transportation, state and regional planners are moving forward with a westward extension of Interstate 16 that would connect the Port of Savannah to Memphis, Tennessee via Interstate 22, linking one of the nation’s fastest-growing ports to the Mississippi River.
Where is the Proposed Route?
The materials indicate that the extension would begin near Interstate 16’s current western terminus in central Georgia before continuing westward across the state.
Early concept maps show the route entering southeastern Lamar County, passing through the rural fields of the Redbone community, and continuing across the southwestern portion of the county near Piedmont.
From there, the corridor would continue west toward Birmingham before ultimately connecting to Memphis.
If completed, the expansion would create a direct freight and travel route linking Savannah, Birmingham, and Memphis—three major economic hubs in the Southeast.
Impact on Local Economy
The proposal outlines significant potential impacts for Lamar County and surrounding communities.
The documents suggest that Barnesville could see accelerated commercial growth. Unincorporated communities across the county, including areas near Redbone and Piedmont, are also identified as likely zones for major commercial and industrial development.
Economic opportunities include:
- Industrial centers tied to freight movement from Savannah
- Retail expansion
- Increased residential growth leading to a more densely populated area driven by a growing job market
The proposal also references potential impacts to Gordon State College, noting that expanded infrastructure could attract new academic programs tied to logistics, transportation, and business.
One section of the documents highlights interest from large-scale infrastructure, including the possibility of data center development along the corridor.
Questions and Concerns
While the proposal highlights economic benefits, it also raises questions.
The documents indicate that the Georgia portion of the project could be completed as early as April 1, 2031. In addition, the materials state that no public hearings are currently planned as part of the early phases of development.
That detail alone is likely to draw attention from concerned citizens who may be directly impacted by the project.
At this time, no official announcement has been made by the Georgia Department of Transportation.
What Comes Next
If this plan moves forward, the extension of Interstate 16 could represent one of the most significant infrastructure developments in the area’s history.
Or at least… that’s what the documents suggest.
The documents were reportedly provided by an anonymous source operating under the pseudonym “Tom Foolery.”
This story is part of our April Fools Day coverage.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
