Georgia DOT adds funds to SR 155 widening project

Photo of SR 155 at Bill Gardner Parkway in April 2022 (Clayton Carte photo).
(Clayton Carte photo)

Georgia DOT continues planning work on numerous major transportation projects throughout Henry County. Most recently, the state committed $500,000 in immediate funds towards widening state route 155.

Specifically, the $500,000 covers scoping work for the widening segment between I-75 and Hampton-Locust Grove Road. A separate widening project is concurrently in the design phase between I-75 and SR 42.

SR 155 widening

Georgia DOT has over $72 million allocated towards the widening of state route 155 southwest of I-75. Right now, the state’s budget has construction dollars in fiscal year 2030. The newly added scoping dollars will allow planning work to begin four years sooner than previously planned. It will also better position the project for earlier funding considerations.

What is Scoping?

Scoping represents the first steps for all projects to identify the preferred improvements for a roadway and develop a concept layout. The scoping phase also prepares an approved concept report for the project.

It is common on larger projects, such as widening a road, for the state to break scoping into a separate phrase from design work. Preliminary engineering, as referred to by GDOT, would then occur later to complete necessary design and engineering for construction plans.

The newly added scoping funds represent a step in the right direction, but more work is needed to deliver this crucial improvement before 2030. MHF owner Clayton Carte hopes to continue working with both Georgia DOT and Henry County to advance this project.

Bethlehem Road interchange

Elsewhere in the industrial area, the new Bethlehem Road interchange is intended to relieve truck traffic off highway 155. The project’s feasibility study estimated up to 50% of truck traffic would divert to the new exit.

Construction on the $120 million dollar project looks to start in 2024. The new exit would then open three years later in 2027.

Featured image shows SR 155 at Bill Gardner Parkway in April 2022. Photo credit Clayton Carte.

About Clayton 1738 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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