At a recent On Topic: Transportation Talk event hosted by Porter Steel at the 1818 Club, Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry discussed the impact and future of transportation infrastructure in Gwinnett County. He described how the region’s roads are closely linked to economic growth and community connection.
McMurry reflected on last year’s significant challenge when Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage across Georgia. Cleanup efforts cost more than $2 million, with crews removing about five million cubic yards of debris. The state responded by allocating $250 million in formula funding to local governments, which was double the amount from the previous year. Gwinnett County received $12 million from this allocation.
Looking ahead, McMurry highlighted several major projects set to improve mobility in Gwinnett for years to come. One key project is the reconstruction of SR 316, aimed at increasing safety and easing traffic congestion. While SR 316 stretches from Athens to Atlanta, many of its most complex intersections are located within Gwinnett County.
“When you see an orange barrel,” McMurry said, “think progress.”
Beyond SR 316, multiple other transportation projects are ongoing throughout the county. McMurry also pointed out that Gwinnett benefits from broader statewide initiatives even if they do not fall entirely within its borders. For example, a public-private partnership is constructing two express lanes along GA-400 to improve access to Atlanta and affect traffic patterns reaching into Gwinnett. Additionally, new express lanes are being added along I-285’s northern section—one of the busiest corridors in the country.
“Our interstate system is eligible for Social Security,” McMurry remarked, emphasizing the age and need for updates on certain roadways.
Throughout his remarks, McMurry stressed that these improvements are essential for connecting people with opportunities and that local business leaders have an important role in advocating for infrastructure development.
The next On Topic series event will feature Raphael Bostic, President & CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, who will discuss economic trends affecting the region. More information can be found at https://gwinnettchamber.org/on-topic.
