Following the recent adoption of TIP amendment 3, the future Bethlehem Road interchange is now part of the TIP project list. Inclusion within the TIP is a prerequisite for the use of federal funds by Federal Highway Administration.
The TIP, or transportation improvement program, is a list of all major road projects planned over the next six years. The Atlanta Regional Commission oversees the TIP project list within metro Atlanta.
TIP amendment 3
ARC finalized TIP amendment 3 in November. The TIP presently spans years 2020–2025. The amendment incorporated new funding for the Bethlehem Road interchange. Georgia DOT budgeted the funds earlier this year.
Plans for the new interstate exit include a new bridge over I-75 as well as improvements to Bethlehem Road. Early concepts suggest the project will build a new roadway south of the existing Bethlehem. The project is presently in the design phase.
An open house about the project will happen at a later date. The open house will provide residents a chance to view the proposed project layout. A public comment period also follows the open house. Moving Henry Forward will share updates when the open house takes place.
Following design, the project will enter right of way acquisition. Right of way funding is in fiscal year 2023. Finally, construction funding is in FY 2024. The state estimates the new exit will open alongside the I-75 truck lanes in late 2027.
New Developments
The future exit has sparked additional development interest in the vicinity. Locust Grove recently notified Georgia DCA of two requests that warrant DRI review. The city cannot consider any action items, such as rezoning of property, until the review is complete.
Developments of regional impact consist of a state review process when projects meet certain thresholds. For industrial projects, development plans greater than 500,000 square feet qualify. Staff from the Atlanta Regional Commission oversee DRI reviews within Henry County.
DRI reviews in progress include the following:
- Approximately 300-acre development consisting of 1,865,000 sq ft of warehouse space in four buildings located along the north side of Bethlehem Road between I-75 and the Norfolk Southern rail line, and
- Roughly 80-acre site proposed for 882,000 sq ft of warehouse space in three buildings located south of Bethlehem Road between I-75 and SR 42.
Other details about the projects are not yet available. DRI reviews typically require a couple months to complete when waiting on the results of a traffic impact study. Follow Moving Henry Forward for future updates.
Featured image shows early concept for I-75 at Bethlehem Road interchange. Additional revisions or changes to the project layout may occur. Photo credit Atlanta Regional Commission.
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