SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – A new turbine bridge ramp carrying I-16 westbound traffic to I-95 southbound is open now.

A first of its kind for Georgia, the “partial turbine” configuration ramp promises smoother, more direct connections through the busy corridor.

The ramp replaces the existing cloverleaf, loop ramp on the west side of I-95.

Drivers traveling along I-16 westbound to I-95 north and southbound will use a common exit located about a half mile before the I-95 interchange. The ramp later splits for drivers to continue onto I-95 northbound (right) or southbound (left).

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) shared a video on Facebook showing what drivers can expect.

Officials say this is all in an effort to make more room for travelers and ease traffic as coastal Georgia’s population continues to grow.

“It’s an innovative solution that provides a more direct connection,” said Kyle Collins with GDOT communications. “So this is about a 1,900-foot-long bridge, it’s going to replace the old cloverleaf ramp that people were used to having to make sort of a quick decision to dart in and out. So, it’s going to be a lot smoother transition to get you to either 95 southbound or 95 northbound.”

The ramp opened overnight Thursday with new signage and traffic control measures that close the current cloverleaf, loop ramp.

GDOT expects the second new turbine bridge ramp to open later this year. That ramp will carry I-95 southbound traffic to I-16 eastbound.

For more information on the 16@95 Improvement Projects, visit here.

This long-term improvement project broke ground in 2020.