WHAT:     A large piece of machinery destined for Kia Motor’s West Point manufacturing plant will be transported tonight and Wednesday night beginning at the Port of Savannah and traveling more than 300 miles to the new facility.  This section of the press weighs nearly 590,000 pounds and the vehicle carrying the piece is 18 feet wide and 235 feet long. The 31-axle carrier will be traveling at 45 mph. Georgia DOT and Georgia State Patrol will provide escort to the carrier, however motorists – particularly those on I-16 – should anticipate some delays.  The escorts will assist with traffic control and motorists will be allowed to pass the carrier as safety permits. 

WHEN:     Overnight Monday, October 20 starting at 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. and Tuesday, October 21 starting at 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.  

WHERE:     The carrier’s route will begin Monday night at the Port of Savannah off US 80 traveling west on I-16 to I-75 northbound. The carrier will stop at the weigh station in Forsyth pre-dawn Wednesday morning. It will resume its northbound I-75 route Tuesday night traveling westbound to I-285 and then southbound on I-85 to its final destination on Kia Boulevard in West Point   

Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.  

The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment.  For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site (www.dot.ga.gov).