Ralston announces funding for Highway 515 to improve UNG campus access

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) today announced $150,000 in Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) funding from the Georgia Department of Transportation to improve access to the new University of North Georgia at Blue Ridge campus from Georgia Highway 515.

“This $150,000 in state funds will make it easier and safer to drive to our new UNG Blue Ridge campus,” said Speaker David Ralston. “This campus will be a beacon for our community for generations to come and ensuring a safe commute is key to how this campus will serve the needs of our citizens. I appreciate the help of Mayor Donna Whitener and the members of the City Council in bringing these funds to Blue Ridge.”

The $150,000 will fund a portion of the cost of modifying Highway 515 to include a Reduced Conflict U-Turn (RCUT) intersection. This new intersection will allow cars traveling north from downtown Blue Ridge to turn left across Highway 515 to drive onto campus.

A full description of a typical RCUT intersection from the Georgia Department of Transportation may be found here:  http://www.dot.ga.gov/DriveSmart/SafetyOperation/Documents/RCut/RCUT%20Brochure.pdf.