Projects
Each major corridor improvement follows a standard infrastructure lifecycle:
The Highway 278 Community Improvement District (CID) is implementing a multi-phase Master Plan to transform a 3.2-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 278 into a safer, more connected, and more pedestrian-friendly corridor through the City of Covington.
Projects are delivered in clearly defined phases to allow for thoughtful planning, coordination with state and local partners, and responsible use of public funding. Each phase progresses through engineering, right-of-way coordination, utility relocation, and construction.
How Projects Move Forward
Preliminary Engineering (PE)
Concept development, traffic analysis, technical studies, and design coordination.
Right-of-Way (ROW) Acquisition
Securing land required for roadway improvements, trails, and safety features.
Utilities Relocation
Gateway features and streetscaping that welcome visitors and reinforce Covington’s community identity.
Construction
Implementation of roadway improvements, pedestrian infrastructure, landscaping, and gateway features.
Master Plan Phases by Location
Phase I: I-20 (Exit 90) to Emory Street (SR 81)
Engineering -Submitted, ROW & Utilities - In process or underway, Construction- upcoming
This western segment represents the primary gateway into the corridor from Interstate 20 and serves as a key entry point into the City of Covington. Improvements in this section focus on enhancing roadway safety while establishing a strong visual identity for the Highway 278 corridor.
GDOT safety and operational improvements in this phase include the installation of two roundabouts and a landscaped median to improve traffic flow and reduce crash risk along the corridor. Additional intersection improvements include signalized R-CUT intersections at Turner Lake Road and West Street, which are designed to improve traffic efficiency and safety.
In coordination with these improvements, the City of Covington and the Highway 278 CID will implement complementary corridor enhancements including sidewalks, a multi-use trail, pedestrian lighting, signage, and landscaping. These improvements are intended to improve pedestrian connectivity while creating a more attractive and welcoming corridor environment.
Together, these upgrades will help transform the western portion of Highway 278 into a safer, more accessible gateway into the community.
Phase II: Emory Street (SR 81) to Hospital Drive
Status: Preliminary Engineering (PE)
The central portion of the corridor connects several major community destinations, including the downtown area and medical facilities. Improvements in this segment focus on strengthening mobility and safety while supporting long-term redevelopment opportunities.
Proposed improvements include intersection upgrades, enhanced pedestrian infrastructure, landscaped medians, and corridor streetscape enhancements that support the identity of the Highway 278 district.
Phase III: Hospital Drive to MLK Blvd / Highway 142
Under future improvements - the Hwy 142 & Hwy 278 intersection will be replace with a two-lane roundabout by GDOT (scheduled 2028)
The eastern segment of the corridor represents the long-term vision for completing improvements across the entire Highway 278 district.
Future improvements may include additional safety enhancements, intersection upgrades, and corridor connections designed to improve traffic flow while supporting redevelopment opportunities and access to nearby trails and community destinations.
Key Planned Features & Benefits
Safety Improvements
Anticipated crash reduction of up to 44% through roundabouts and landscaped medians.
Connectivity
Wide sidewalks and multipurpose trails connecting neighborhoods to jobs, shopping, and services
Beautification & Identity
Gateway features and streetscaping that welcome visitors and reinforce Covington’s community identity.