Henry Minutes August 22, 2021

Photo shows work crews pouring concrete at new bridge on state route 81, August 2021 (Georgia DOT photo).

In today’s Henry Minutes, I provide updates on various Georgia DOT projects within the county. They include the state route 81 bridge replacement over South River, construction on the diverging diamond interchange and let dates for upcoming projects. Henry Minutes is a collection of news from around Henry County.

State Route 81 Bridge Replacement

Construction continues on the state route 81 bridge replacement. The project started earlier this year between McDonough and Covington. Georgia DOT recently shared an update on social media:

This morning, August 19, crews working with Wright Brothers Construction poured concrete on the first of four bridge spans for the [state route 81] bridge over the South River at the Newton County and Henry County line.

Weather permitting, crews will pour additional deck areas the next 2-3 weeks.

Presently, progress schedules remain on par with reopening this location to traffic by the end of December 2021. That’s the goal. Even when first “open” back up you will travel on “binder” asphalt, which won’t be the final riding layer.

Additional work will go into 2022 for final completion.

According to the state’s website, the project is 63% complete. The current completion date is February 25, 2022.

Diverging Diamond Interchange

Also in McDonough, work crews continue to make progress at I-75 exit 218. The project is installing a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) along state route 20 / 81. Right now, there are seven diverging diamonds open in Georgia with three more under construction. McDonough will be the second DDI in south metro Atlanta. Others under construction are in Columbus and Savannah.

The diverging diamond interchange uses an innovative design to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents. The design allows motorists to turn left without crossing in front of opposing traffic. This reduces conflict points where accidents can occur. The design also features a wide central pedestrian path.

At the time of writing, the project is 28% complete. The current completion date is October 4, 2022.

Project Let Dates

Georgia DOT is concurrently working on several projects throughout Henry County. The state regularly updates its project letting forecast. This is an estimate when projects will be bid out for construction. Two projects previously estimated for November 2021 are now scheduled in 2022. They include the following:

  • State Route 20 widening between I-75 and Phillips Drive – let April 2022
  • State Route 20 at Lawrenceville Street / McGarity Road dual roundabouts – let June 2022

GDOT is also planning a full-size roundabout at state route 81 and Snapping Shoals Road. The project located in Ola is presently in right of way acquisition. Construction is forecast to let in February 2022.

Featured image shows concrete pour at state route 81 bridge over South River. Photo credit Robert Rowland.

About Clayton 1739 Articles
Clayton Carte is the founder and owner of The Henry Reporter. He founded the site in 2017 to highlight transportation projects. Over time, he began covering other topics like new development so residents can best know what’s happening in our community.

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