
Collections for transportation SPLOST in Henry County began on April 1. Now, Henry County has awarded the first contract that transportation SPLOST collections will fund. At their April board meeting, commissioners awarded a design contract for the widening of Bill Gardner Parkway. The project extends between I-75 and SR 155 in Locust Grove.
In addition, Henry County approved a design contract for McDonough Parkway at Henry Parkway. The intersection will be the merge point for two four-lane roads when McDonough Parkway opens.
Bill Gardner Parkway widening
Eleven companies responded to Henry County’s request for qualifications to design the widening of Bill Gardner Parkway. Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. of Atlanta, GA scored the highest following staff evaluation. The company submitted a cost of $2,061,800.00 for the design work.
Design work can take up to 1–2 years for widening projects of similar length to Bill Gardner Parkway. The corridor length measures 3.65 miles starting 0.30 miles west of state route 155 to I-75. Specifically, the design will be for a divided four-lane road.
Once the design work is complete, then right of way acquisition can begin. Following that step will be construction. Henry County allocated $34 million in T-SPLOST for the project.
McDonough Parkway at Henry Parkway
Also during the April 19 meeting, Henry County approved a design contract for intersection improvements at McDonough Parkway and Henry Parkway. The design will be for a new roundabout.
Heath & Lineback Engineers of Marietta, GA submitted the highest-scoring proposal. Their fee for the design work totals $127,750. The county’s general fund will pay for the design contract.
Design work and subsequent improvements are necessary because McDonough Parkway will open to traffic in about two years. When Georgia DOT widens highway 20 beginning next year, the state’s contractor will connect the new segment of McDonough Parkway and Georgia 20. Motorists will have more options to bypass the town square when this is complete.
McDonough Parkway at Henry Parkway is presently an unimproved intersection where two four-lane roads meet. The intersection improvement will address this safety hazard before McDonough Parkway opens up to Georgia 20. When serving as SPLOST V Chair in 2019, MHF founder Clayton Carte advocated for this issue with the future road coming and he appreciates county staff for getting started to address it.
Henry Parkway at Industrial Blvd
Finally, Henry County approved a design contract for Henry Parkway at Industrial Blvd. Board approval occurred during the May 3 meeting for this item.
Falcon Design Consultants, LLC of Stockbridge, GA received the contract. The company provided a fee amount valued at $109,920 for the work. Design for intersection improvements typically requires 12–18 months to complete.
Featured image shows Bill Gardner Parkway near state route 155. Photo credit Clayton Carte.
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