Highway Projects and Home Plumbing: What Georgia’s I-75 Plan Means for Neighborhood Drainage

What Georgia’s $1.8B I-75 Unclogging Plan Means for Your Yard, Basement and Stormwater

Hook: If you live in Henry, Clayton or nearby southern Atlanta suburbs, Governor Kemp’s January 2026 proposal to spend $1.8 billion adding express toll lanes to I‑75 can do more than change your commute — it can change how stormwater moves through your neighborhood, increase short‑term basement flooding risk during construction, and force long‑term shifts in local drainage. This guide tells homeowners what to expect, what to document now, and the practical steps to protect property before, during and after highway construction.

The most important takeaway (read first)

The I‑75 expansion proposal is likely to require extensive earthwork, culvert and stormdrain re‑routing, and temporary detours that will alter runoff paths for months or years. Act now: get a pre‑construction record of your basement condition and grading, upgrade or test sump systems, secure your insurance documentation, and open lines of communication with the project’s public liaisons and local stormwater officials.

Why this matters in 2026

Heavy rainfall and flash flooding have become more common across the Southeast. As state DOTs like Georgia DOT push major highway projects to relieve congestion and support growth—Governor Kemp’s plan specifically targets 12 miles of I‑75 in Henry and Clayton counties—municipal stormwater programs and homeowners are increasingly dealing with the downstream effects. Construction both temporarily amplifies erosion and changes long‑term hydrology by adding impervious surfaces and relocating drainage structures.

How major highway construction affects neighborhood drainage

Large roadway projects create three broad categories of drainage impacts homeowners should track:

1. Temporary construction impacts — exposed soils, sediment-laden runoff, diverted flows, and temporary detention structures.
2. Changes to existing drainage paths — culvert upsizing/replacement, new stormdrains, regraded swales and shoulder slopes that can redirect flow toward or away from properties.
3. Long-term hydrologic shifts — increased impervious area raising peak flows and shortening runoff time, which can increase downstream flood peaks unless mitigated with detention, retention, or green infrastructure.

Typical on-site activities that affect your property

• Clearing and grading of shoulders and medians—temporary change in sheet flow.
• Culvert replacement or installation—can raise or lower localized flow velocities.
• Construction of temporary drainage ditches and sediment basins—may divert flow across easements.
• Installation of detention/retention ponds or underground storage—can change timing of runoff to downstream systems.
• Changes to road crown and gutters—affects how stormwater is captured and sent to storm sewers.

Basement flooding risk: what increases risk during I-75 projects

Basement flooding is rarely caused by a single event. Construction increases risk through several mechanisms:

• Increased local runoff volumes and faster arrival times during heavy rain because of regraded terrain and temporary impervious surfaces.
• Sediment and debris clogging local storm drains and curb inlets, causing localized ponding.
• Temporary interruption of drainage infrastructure while pipes are replaced or re‑routed.
• Changes to groundwater flow if excavation intercepts perched water tables or modifies infiltration areas.

Practical signs you should watch for

• New or increased ponding in streets, yards, or low spots after rains.
• Water backing up into yard drains, driveways, or window wells.
• Sudden change in basement seepage or dampness coinciding with nearby construction phases.
• Visible sediment in roadside ditches or clogged grates near your property.

Pre-construction checklist for homeowners (do these now)

Before construction begins, take time to document, prepare, and protect. The following checklist is actionable and prioritized by impact and speed.

1. Document existing conditions:
   • Take date‑stamped photos of basement interiors, sump pump, crawl spaces, yard low spots, gutters and downspouts, and any nearby storm inlets.
   • Record elevations if you have an elevation certificate (common for flood insurance) or request a simple survey from a licensed surveyor for critical spots.
2. Service and test sump pumps:
   • Have a licensed plumber or contractor test pump capacity and float switches; run a controlled pump test to confirm performance for a typical heavy rain event.
   • Consider installing a battery backup or water‑powered backup pump—especially if power outages are common during storms.
3. Clear gutters and extend downspouts:
   • Direct roof runoff away from foundations with downspout extenders or splash blocks of at least 6–10 feet where feasible.
4. Inspect grading and drainage paths:
   • Make sure your lot slopes away from the foundation; regrade where pooling occurs (consult a contractor for slopes and local codes).
5. Check insurance and permits:
   • Review your homeowner and flood insurance with your agent. Document pre‑existing water damage to avoid disputes.
   • Ask your county whether there are temporary permits that could affect drainage easements on your property.
6. Establish open communication:
   • Subscribe to project updates from Georgia DOT and your county; know the public information officer and construction inspector contact info.

During construction: monitoring and rapid actions

Construction is when most problems develop quickly. Stay proactive.

1. Watch the first big storms: The first heavy rain after clearing/grading is a high‑risk period.
2. Report clogged inlets and sediment: If you see sediment blocking navigable drains, call county stormwater or the DOT construction hotline immediately. Provide photos and exact location.
3. Keep interior flood protection ready: Move valuables off the floor, have sandbags or flood barriers on hand for window wells, and know where to isolate utilities safely.
4. Log incidents: Keep a dated journal and photos of any new seepage or flooding tied to construction activities—this record will be crucial if you need to file a claim or request remediation.

“A pre‑construction photo and a quick pump test can be the difference between a covered claim and a denied one.”

Post-construction: what to verify and demand

After the contractor completes the work, confirm that the permanent drainage solutions meet what was promised and local standards.

• Request as‑built plans that show final pipe sizes, detention/retention volumes, and outlet locations.
• Confirm planting and stabilization of disturbed areas with permanent erosion control (seed, mulch, riprap where specified).
• Ask for maintenance schedules for any new detention basins or stormwater facilities affecting your neighborhood.
• Get an updated survey or written certification if the final grading near your property has changed.

Erosion control and best practices contractors should use (what you should expect)

Large DOT projects in 2026 are expected to use modern Best Management Practices (BMPs) to limit sediment transport and protect downstream properties. Homeowners should require that the project team and local inspectors adhere to these visible controls:

• Silt fences and filter berms around disturbed perimeters.
• Temporary sediment basins or traps for large excavations.
• Construction entrances with stabilized pads to reduce tracking of mud onto public streets.
• Turbidity controls at any discharge points to water bodies, including checks and monitoring records.
• Rapid restoration schedules for disturbed soil—seeded and mulched within the season.

Regulatory context: permits and who enforces stormwater protections

Large highway projects like I‑75 must comply with a mix of federal, state and local stormwater regulations. Key items homeowners should know:

• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) — required for large earthwork under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) construction permits. SWPPPs list erosion control measures and inspection schedules.
• Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits — counties and cities often manage post‑construction stormwater and enforce local ordinances.
• Local erosion & sediment control ordinances — enforcement usually falls to county stormwater or a contracted inspector; homeowners can file complaints.

Ask for the project’s SWPPP, inspector contact, and the schedule for routine erosion control inspections. Having those documents makes complaints specific and actionable.

Smart upgrades that reduce long‑term flood risk

Beyond temporary measures, consider investments that increase resilience and property value.

• Sump pump redundancy and higher capacity pumps: dual pumps with battery backup and monitored alarms.
• French drains or perimeter drains: professionally designed to move groundwater away from foundations.
• Rain gardens and infiltration: where soils allow, manage roof and yard runoff on your lot through infiltration features.
• Permeable paving: replace small hardscape areas with permeable materials to reduce local imperviousness.
• Window well covers and interior flood barriers: prevent sudden surge water from entering basements.

Who to call — contact list for homeowners near I‑75 work

Keep these contacts handy. Note: public project liaisons are the best first point for construction schedule and mitigation details; county stormwater handles erosion complaints.

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) — Regional Project Office / Public Information Officer
• Henry County and Clayton County Stormwater Management Departments
• Your municipal code enforcement / public works office
• Georgia Environmental Protection Division (for larger water quality concerns)
• Local soil and water conservation district (technical assistance)
• Licensed plumber or foundation contractor for property‑level mitigation
• Your insurance agent (homeowner and flood insurance questions)

Sample message to send to the project public liaison

Use this short template when asking for specific stormwater documents or contacts.

Hello [Project Liaison Name],

I live at [address] near the I‑75 project zone. I am concerned about stormwater and possible impacts to my basement and yard drainage. Could you please provide the project SWPPP, the name and contact for the construction inspector responsible for erosion controls, and the construction schedule for work near [landmark/intersection]? I have pre‑construction photos and would like to ensure mitigation is in place before grading begins.

Thank you, [Your Name] [Phone] [Email]

Case study snapshot: what we learned from past Atlanta corridor projects

Recent corridor upgrades in the Atlanta metro area (late 2010s–2020s) show predictable patterns: the first year of earthwork produces the most homeowner complaints about sediment and ponding; contractors who proactively staged temporary detention and maintained inlet cleaning saw far fewer downstream problems. In 2024–2025, counties that required weekly erosion control logs and public posting of inspection results had quicker remediation and fewer insurance claims. Expect similar scrutiny for the I‑75 package in 2026.

2026 trends and why they change homeowner strategies

Through late 2025 and into 2026, transportation and municipal agencies have increasingly:

• Paired highway capacity projects with stronger stormwater mitigation requirements and public reporting.
• Added focus on green infrastructure to slow and infiltrate runoff where feasible.
• Improved public engagement and digital dashboards so residents can get real‑time construction and inspection updates.

For homeowners, that means more opportunity to access project data, faster responses to complaints, and a clearer path to hold contractors accountable if erosion controls fail.

When to escalate — filing complaints and documenting claims

If you suspect construction activities caused basement flooding or property damage, escalate methodically:

1. Document immediately: photos, video, and a dated written log.
2. Contact the construction inspector and county stormwater office — request a written response.
3. If unresolved, file a formal complaint with GDOT or the state environmental agency referencing the SWPPP or permit violations.
4. Notify your insurance company and provide the documentation; keep records of repair estimates and contractor reports.

Final, practical action list — three things to do in the next 7 days

• Photograph and document basement, yard low spots, gutters, and inlet locations on your block.
• Test your sump pump and install a backup if you don’t have redundancy.
• Subscribe to the GDOT I‑75 project notices and identify the local construction inspector and county stormwater contact.

Concluding thought

Governor Kemp’s $1.8 billion I‑75 proposal addresses traffic, but its ripple effects will be hydrologic and local. Being prepared, documenting conditions, and engaging with project teams matters. With stronger enforcement and better public data in 2026, homeowners have more leverage than ever to protect basements, yards and property values during big road projects.

Call to action

Don’t wait for the first big storm. Schedule a pre‑construction flood‑risk check with a licensed plumber or drainage contractor, download your project SWPPP, and send the sample message above to the GDOT public liaison. If you’d like a printable pre‑construction checklist and a template complaint form tailored to Henry and Clayton counties, sign up for our free homeowner toolkit and get weekly I‑75 construction alerts.

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