News Summary
John Ussery has announced his resignation from Augusta’s Department of Traffic Engineering after nearly a decade in the role. His departure comes at a critical time as the city undertakes various traffic improvement initiatives, particularly in preparation for the Masters Tournament. Ongoing projects aim to enhance road safety and manage increased traffic, with adjustments including new traffic lights and revised street access. Local officials are also focusing on addressing safety concerns on Georgia Avenue, ensuring that community needs are prioritized during this transition.
Augusta – John Ussery has announced his resignation from his role as assistant director of Augusta’s Department of Traffic Engineering, a position he has held for nearly a decade. His resignation was confirmed following reports from reliable sources. The exact date when Ussery’s resignation will take effect is yet to be determined.
This departure comes at a crucial time for Augusta, as the city is currently engaged in several ongoing traffic improvement projects. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing road safety and managing increased traffic, particularly in preparation for the upcoming Masters Tournament, which attracts thousands of visitors to the area every year.
Ussery’s contributions to local traffic planning have included significant developments related to the Masters Tournament. Major traffic changes have been initiated for the event, including the implementation of temporary traffic lights, revised access routes for several local streets, and a QR code system designed to assist with navigation on busy days. Streets that will see alterations include Washington Road, Riverwatch Parkway, and Berckmans Road. Ussery’s expertise has been crucial in orchestrating these changes to ensure smoother transportation for both residents and visitors.
In addition to the Masters Tournament preparations, North Augusta officials are actively working on addressing traffic concerns in neighboring areas. They recently approved an engineering service contract for a traffic calming project on Georgia Avenue, a corridor that experiences nearly 50 crashes annually. The project is scheduled to be completed before the Georgia Avenue bridge project begins in 2028, signifying an important step towards improving safety on this thoroughfare.
The scope of the Georgia Avenue Traffic Calming Project is aimed at reducing the frequency of accidents, ultimately promoting safer driving conditions. City officials are hopeful that such measures will not only enhance community safety but also benefit local businesses by improving access and traffic flow.
Part of the traffic management strategy for the Masters Tournament includes the relocation of the ride-share lot to the corner of Washington Road and Berckmans Road. The city has also devised alternate route suggestions for travelers to avoid congestion during peak times, particularly during the busy afternoon egress periods following the event’s conclusion.
As the city navigates these developments, residents remain optimistic about the impact of enhanced traffic control measures. Ongoing evaluations will be conducted to assess the efficacy of the implemented changes and to ensure that the needs of the community are being adequately met.
Looking ahead, local news sources continue to track the effects of Ussery’s resignation within the Department of Traffic Engineering and the broader implications for current and future traffic initiatives. The city encourages ongoing dialogue with residents as they adapt to the evolving landscape of traffic management in Augusta.
Weather conditions for the area on September 3, 2025, are expected to be favorable, with plenty of sunshine and a high near 85°F, making it an ideal day for events including the Masters Tournament.
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Additional Resources
- WFXG
- Google Search: Augusta traffic management
- WRDW
- Wikipedia: Traffic engineering
- WJBF
- Encyclopedia Britannica: traffic management
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Augusta traffic issues
- WRDW
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
