The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is the organization responsible for maintaining and improving the state’s transportation networks. Founded in 1972, the GDOT has a workforce of over 4,000 employees who oversee 127,000 miles of state and local roads and highways, 1,684 miles of interstate highways and 1,096 state-owned bridges. The department is headed by a commissioner who is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state senate. The commissioner is responsible for executing transportation policies and overseeing the various divisions within the GDOT, including construction, planning, traffic operations and maintenance. GDOT’s mission is the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. To achieve this, the department works closely with communities, metropolitan planning organizations, state agencies, and other stakeholders to plan, build and maintain the state’s transportation infrastructure, which includes roads, bridges, airports, railroads, and transit systems. The GDOT also plays a role in promoting economic development through transportation improvements, as well as providing transportation options that improve mobility and accessibility for all Georgians. In addition, the department takes a proactive approach to safety, implementing various safety programs, including the state’s strategic highway safety plan. Overall, the GDOT’s focus is to create and maintain a reliable, safe and sustainable transportation system for the citizens of Georgia, helping to ensure safe and efficient movement of people and goods across the state.