Flooding forces the temporary closure of I-16 westbound in Bulloch County

UPDATE 6:40 p.m. November 7th – I-16 has reopened.

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 2 p.m., the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) closed I-16 westbound at mile marker 113 in Bulloch County due to severe flooding.

Recent storms brought heavy rain to the area overnight, with over eight inches of rain falling in some parts of Bulloch County. Most of this rainfall fell within a few hours, resulting in rapidly rising waters and widespread flooding.

A detour is now in place for westbound I-16 drivers. Motorists are directed to exit at Highway 301 (Exit 116), follow Highway 46, then Pulaski Excelsior Road and re-enter the highway at Exit 111. However, authorities are advising drivers to seek alternative routes where possible as conditions remain unpredictable.

The effects of the heavy rain extend beyond the highway. Bulloch County Public Works reported nearly 30 road closures across the county as of this afternoon. Bulloch County Sheriff’s deputies, along with public works crews, are actively monitoring and assessing road conditions.

While some closures may be short-lived and roads will reopen as water recedes, others – particularly dirt roads and certain paved roads – may require longer closures and further damage assessment.

Bulloch County Sheriff Noel Brown Grice Connect said more roads were closed than there were road closure signs. He urged citizens to exercise extreme caution when traveling through the county. If you come across a road covered in water, turn around and do not cross it. It is difficult to see the condition of the road underwater.

He reported that they have closed Adabell Road toward Excelsior and Adablee Road toward Kennedy Bridge Road because they are concerned about water levels moving under the bridges.

The Bulloch County EMA is working to maintain an up-to-date list of road closures.

Grice Connect will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as conditions change and I-16 westbound reopens.