U.S. Route 301 Bypass (Statesboro, Georgia)

Infobox U.S. Route
type=By-pass
article_route=301
alternate_name=Veterans Memorial Parkway


length_mi=6.9
length_round=1
length_ref=
yrcom=1990s
direction_a=South
from=
junction=
direction_b=North
to=
browse=
spur_of=301

The U.S. Route 301 Bypass is a two-lane (soon to be four-lane) bypass of US 301. It runs north-south to the east of the city of Statesboro, Georgia. The 301 bypass, along with the U.S. Route 25 bypass, makes up the Veterans Memorial Parkway, which forms a near circle around the city.

Route Description

The bypass begins south of the city at the intersection with the Highway 25 bypass. It runs east along the perimeter of Georgia Southern University. It follows the perimeter of the university, turning northeast towards Fair Road (Georgia Highway 67), where it breaks off from the university perimeter and turns northward. After turning north, the bypass intersects with Northside Drive (U.S. Route 80), Georgia State Route 24, and finally US 301 North.

History

The Veterans Memorial Parkway was commissioned in the early 1990s. Both the 25 bypass and the 301 bypass were completed at the same time as two-lane highways. Several years later, the US 25 bypass was widened to become a four-lane divided highway. In March 2007, work began on the widening of the 301 bypass. Work is expected to be completed within a few months.

Other Facts

The 301 bypass, commonly referred to simply as "the bypass", has become one of the most congested roads in Statesboro. The widening of the road, which was supposed to be completed by 2006, was not completed due to a faulty contractor. A new contractor was hired by the Georgia Department of Transporation, and work began in March of 2007. The bypass has become an attractive place for new businesses, and has been crucial in the growth and expansion of the greater Statesboro area.

Related US Routes

U.S. Route 301
U.S. Route 25