BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. () – The Hyundai Metaplant is already producing cars, but the road improvements surrounding the site are still months away from being done.

Highway 280 is a major concern for some residents as the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is widening that road and adding five roundabouts total. The widening project is expected for be completed by the end of 2025.

Some residents are tired of the construction. In addition to taking other routes, some people packing up and moving out because of the “mess”. Tracy Stafford is one of those who are relocating.

“We are petrified every time we have to leave this neighborhood,” Stafford said. “It’s not well lit. The roundabouts are just barrels scattered everywhere, and you can’t really tell which way you’re supposed to go. We’re always afraid.”

According to GDOT, “All roundabouts will have permanent lighting once complete. There will be some temporary lighting in certain areas prior to the final installs etc.”

Stafford said that she is disappointed though, because she says she loves her neighborhood on Aspen Lane. She said the area is quiet and perfect for families, but they just can’t take the traffic any longer.

“It’ll be improved eventually,” she said. “But right now, it’s just a mess. It’s dangerous, and we just don’t want to be part of that. We moved out to the to the country to be away from that.”

This isn’t the first time News 3 has talked with Stafford about her frustrations. first interviewed her in August 2023, when construction was ramping up and semi-trucks were pulling down her driveway every day.

While the Hyundai Metaplant doesn’t control this road, GDOT said the expansion is in place to accommodate the growth in this area – fueled by the plant.

According to a spokesperson with GDOT, traffic flow on 280 is expected to reach over 34,000 cars a day. That’s 24,000 more than projected in 2022.

Some residents like Tchaka Grant and Patrick Vereen were optimistic about the project.

“There’s plenty of engineers out here that have taken into account the traffic and things,” Grant said. “I think with that being said, it would be better if we just waited and be patient a little bit instead of expecting everyone to finish everything the minute it gets inconvenient.”

“I’m not really a complainer, and I haven’t been here for 30 years,” Vereen said. “You know, places have a tendency, especially outside of a city, to grow up in number. And I know that. And I’m going to be patient with the construction that they’re doing because they’re actually working on it.”

A spokesperson with GDOT sent News 3 the following statement regarding concerns on 280:

“Georgia DOT coordinates weekly with local partners and the Hyundai Metaplant as these Bryan County infrastructure projects progress toward completion. Throughout US 280 construction phases, the Department has taken steps to mitigate traffic delays and congestion surrounding the major development. 

US 280 widening is ongoing and drivers have seen changes with the roundabout configurations now active in temporary single lane configuration until the rest of the reconstruction and widening is complete in 2025. We appreciate the patience of all roadway users traveling in the work zone, and urge everyone to drive alert and expect the unexpected with construction advancements.”