Georgia Loves To Name Highways

Recently, during a YIM discussion with Alex of AARoads.com, we briefly discussed Georgia's penchant for naming highways (or stretches thereof) for famous people.

For example, there are stretches of highways named for polilticans, including, but not limited to, the following...

Tom Murphy Freeway - a stretch of I-20 from the Alabama state line to I-285 in West Atlanta named for former Georgia House Speaker Tom Murphy.

Cynthia McKinney Parkway - a stretch of GA 10 (Memorial Drive) in DeKalb County named for the controversial and outspoken Congresswoman who represents much of DeKalb County.

Zell Miller Mountain Parkway - GRIP corridor GA 515 from the northern end of I-575 at the Cherokee/Pickens County line to the North Carolina state line named for former Governor and former U.S. Senator Zell Miller.

But did you know that there are even stretches of roads named for country stars with Georgia roots? Yes, Virginia, they, too, can have highways (or stretches thereof) named for them.

For your reading pleasure, here they are...

Alan Jackson Highway - I-85 in Coweta County from Exit 51 to Exit 57 (Senate Resolution 781) . Jackson's hometown is Newnan, the Coweta County seat Senate Resolution 781.

Travis Tritt Highway - GA 92 from Hiram Sudie Road to Ridge Road in Paulding County. Tritt's hometown is Marietta (Cobb County), but since he makes his home in Paulding County (just west of Cobb), the State of Georgia decided to honor him there as per House Resolution 849.

Trisha Yearwood Parkway - SR 83 north from the Monticello Square to the city limits (House Resolution 453). Yearwood's hometown is Monticello, the Jasper County seat (incidentally, her latest CD is titled "Jasper County").

And finally...

Chet Atkins Parkway - I-185 in Troup and Harris Counties, named for the late guitar legend whose ties to Georgia are that he spent part of his childhood in Harris County. (House Resolution 245)

Dear readers and fellow road enthusiasts, that concludes tonight's meaningless trivia. Next time you contemplate life Here In The Real World, or you're wondering if She's In Love With The Boy", or perhaps you are on your way to the Country Club, just rememeber that if Georgia hasn't named a road for your favorite singer or musician yet, then please be patient and give our folks under the "Gold Dome" some more time. Based on their penchant for naming roads after folks, they'll GIT-R-DONE!!! (NOTE: "Larry the Cable Guy" is not from Georgia, though his "redneck" mulleted Blue Collar compatriot Jeff Foxworthy is. I'd be willing to bet the farm that Foxworthy will have a road named for him eventually.)

That's all for now. Thanks always for reading and please visit often.