Bryan County is buzzing with transportation projects this summer. We announced and launched quite a few around the start of the new year and now those projects are humming along, with work progressing at a nice pace. If you’re wondering how things are going, I thought you might appreciate this update.
In South Bryan, the Interstate 95 interchange at Belfast Keller Road is on schedule and, up to this point, no construction delays have occurred. The Georgia Department of Transportation anticipates that during the third quarter of this year, the Belfast Keller bridge over I-95 will be closed and traffic detours will be put in place. At that time, the I-95 on-ramps will be open to motorists. Vehicles on the east side of the interchange will be able to enter I-95 northbound and traffic on the west side will be able to enter I-95 southbound. No I-95 exit ramps to Belfast Keller will be open to traffic at this time. GDOT estimates the project will be complete in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Nearby, the Highway 144 widening project is also mostly on schedule. Early on, there were a few minor delays encountered when relocating utilities took utility contractors a little longer than expected. Some power utility contractors were delayed due to their post-hurricane assistance being required last fall, but they are making a strong presence on site and are set to be back on schedule in the coming months.
As far as traffic impacts on 144, there are no long-term closures scheduled at this time but the storm drain contractor is actively moving throughout the site and could possibly need to get in the road within a couple days’ notice at any time.
In Bryan County’s north end, road resurfacing projects shoulder installations and other efforts are under way or about to launch.
Our 2019 Road Resurfacing Project has been awarded and we anticipate the start of construction this month.
Bailey Plantation Road is scheduled for resurfacing this year. The Hendrix Road reconstruction project is in the final design phase and will be advertised for construction bids in July.
The Mill Hill Road project is currently in the design and permitting phase. Bid advertisement for construction is contingent upon acquisition of the necessary outside agency permits.
Regarding the roundabout at US 280 and Wilma Edwards Road, the county is currently in the selection process for a consulting engineer and we anticipate starting the design phase this summer.
The 2019 road widening/ shoulder installation project is scheduled for a bid opening on June 27.
We’ll continue to update you as these progress and other transportation projects come along. Although some may cause traffic delays, our crews and GDOT’s always try to work diligently and with motorist safety in mind. It’s all part of a carefully developed grand plan to ensure Bryan County’s roadways keep pace with our growth and are well-maintained and easily traveled.
Infinger is chairman of the Bryan County Board of Commissioners.