Augusta, GA

1 lane of I-20 to be closed overnight at state line

Published

2 years ago

February 19, 2024

1 lane of I-20 to be closed overnight at state line

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – There’s an upcoming lane closure as part of the Interstate 20 Savannah River bridge project at the state line.

The next closure will be from 10 p.m. Friday until 8 a.m. Saturday.

There will be a single right-lane closure on eastbound I-20 from mile marker 201 in Georgia to the South Carolina welcome center.

Temporary signage will direct motorists.

The right shoulder of eastbound I-20 may be affected. Expect delays and use caution.

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When the lane reopens, traffic will be shifted onto the new I-20 eastbound ramp to the welcome center.

Commercial vehicle parking remains closed at the welcome center.

If you make the drive from Augusta to South Carolina often, you know the traffic and construction all too well.

But there is an end in sight. They hope to have the project done by late spring.

It’s what nobody wants to see on their drive home — orange barrels and more traffic.

“Anybody who’s traveled this area the last few decades knows those bridges have kind of seen better days,” said Kyle Collins, GDOT Program Communications Manager.

Crews have been working hard and are one step closer to finally bein done with a two state construction project that has been going on since 2019.

“Bridges are built to last and have a 75 plus year lifespan. They’re also built to meet not only those current traffic volumes, which seem to be ever increasing, especially with the freight in the area, but also projecting out 20, 30 years plus down the line to also handle that traffic. So safety is always first and just having bridges that are built to handle the modern traffic demands is kind of a secondary benefit,” he said.

They’re working towards all new bridges with three lanes of traffic in each direction, along with emergency lanes on each side.

“We know it’s been a headache for folks. They’ve been out there working for about four years. And we faced some challenges with this project, some delays that everybody in every business has dealt with. We feel like contractors made great progress the last year to year and a half to really push to finish things. So we hope to have more good news and more temporary traffic impacts that mean we’re gonna get to that final open phase in the coming weeks,” said Collins.

Officials are asking for drivers to slow down and pay attention to the temporary signs that direct you where to go.

Here’s a look at what state line will look like once the project is finished:

A look at I-20 state line project(wrdw)

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Augusta, GA

10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival draws crowds despite heat

Published

10 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Press Room

10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival draws crowds despite heat

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.

Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.

Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.

“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.

The festival runs until 10 p.m.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta Dream Center sees surge in families needing food as summer begins

Published

20 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Press Room

Augusta Dream Center sees surge in families needing food as summer begins

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.

Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.

“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”

Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.

“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.

The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.

Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.

“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”

No paperwork is required to receive help.

“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”

The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.

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Augusta, GA

Progress continues on James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta

Published

1 day ago

June 19, 2026

Press Room

Progress continues on James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.

The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.

According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.

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