Milton Takes the Wheel: The Highway 9 Project

12/03/2025 23 min
Milton Takes the Wheel: The Highway 9 Project

Listen "Milton Takes the Wheel: The Highway 9 Project"

Episode Synopsis

Send us a textWhen construction on Highway 9 stopped last summer, Milton residents noticed. What they couldn't see was the extraordinary opportunity emerging from this unexpected pause. In this revealing conversation with Public Works Director Sara Leaders, we explore how Milton turned a challenge into a chance to shape the future of this vital corridor.What initially seemed like a setback has evolved into something remarkable: Milton gaining more influence over a state highway project. Through persistent advocacy from city leadership and a productive partnership with GDOT, the city now has the ability to help reimagine Highway 9 as more than just a transportation corridor—it will be a thoughtfully designed community asset, integrated with the more extensive Deerfield planning efforts.Leaders walks us through the exciting possibilities of this arrangement. While still working within GDOT parameters and funding, Milton can now apply "context-sensitive design" principles that wouldn’t typically be possible under standard state highway protocols. With consultants coming on board and public presentations expected sometime this year, this project represents not just infrastructure development but a statement about Milton’s values and vision for its future. As Leaders notes, "We have a different idea of what we want than what the state necessarily sees on a road project," and now, Milton has the opportunity to bring that vision to life.Subscribe to Milton and Mane to follow this developing story as we continue tracking the Highway 9 transformation and other important issues shaping our community's future.With the community in mind, this podcast explores the stories, people, and initiatives that make our community unique. Each episode offers insights into local government, highlights Milton's history and future developments, and showcases the vibrant arts, culture, and sustainability efforts shaping our city. Join the conversation, celebrate our community, and discover how we're building a better Milton together. Do you have an idea for an episode or would like to request a specific topic to be covered? Email Christy Weeks, [email protected] more about the City of Milton at www.miltonga.gov.