Rising construction costs affect Locust Grove projects

Construction plan showing new lanes and road striping for I-75 exit 212 modifications (Locust Grove photo).
(Locust Grove photo)

Rising construction costs are affecting the city of Locust Grove as they seek to advance new transportation projects. For the second consecutive project in as many months, construction bids have come in above budget for road improvements.

Last month, the city approved a resurfacing contract valued at $3.9 million. Now, the lone bid to modify and improve I-75 exit 212 came back at $3.5 million.

I-75 Exit 212 Modifications

The upcoming modifications to I-75 exit 212 will add a second left-hand turn lane from Bill Gardner Parkway (westbound) to I-75 South. This results in changes underneath the existing bridge carrying I-75, but no changes to the bridge itself.

To add a second left-hand turn lane underneath the bridge, the project will remove the existing sidewalk on the south side of the road. The sidewalk on the north side will remain. Removing the sidewalk frees up valuable road width under the bridge for the added lane. The project also includes a new U-turn area for the inside left-hand lane. This corresponds to the median described below.

Secondly, the project will add a center median on Bill Gardner Parkway between I-75 and Tanger Blvd. This will prevent traffic from turning left into or out of adjacent businesses. Examples include the QuikTrip service station, Waffle House and McDonald’s. Instead, motorists must turn right then U-turn on Bill Gardner Parkway or, in the case of QuikTrip, take the rear access road.

But before construction can begin, the city of Locust Grove must identify additional funding to pay for the project. The city had set aside $2.5 million for the project. After receiving bids this month, the lone submitted bid is valued at $3.5 million.

As part of the bid, the project would only work during overnight hours to minimize traffic disruptions. The city estimates the nighttime work is costing $600,000–$750,000 more than daytime work.

City Manager Tim Young updated the city council at their July 18 meeting about the recent project bidding. He also said the city is looking at funding options for the project, and he will share another update at their next council meeting. The council next meets on August 1.

Road Resurfacing

Last month, the city also worked through another construction bid over its original budget. The city’s resurfacing contract received three bids in early June. The lowest bid submitted by CW Matthews of Marietta was $3.9 million. By comparison, the budget was $2.15 million. To make up the difference, the city will utilize other T-SPLOST and SPLOST V funds.

The resurfacing contract includes forty streets for a distance of ten miles. The majority of work is located inside subdivisions. Examples include streets within Skyland, Grove Park, Tanger Ridge, Linden Park and Waters Edge subdivisions. The full list of roads is available here.

Featured image shows construction plans for the I-75 exit 212 modifications. Photo credit Locust Grove.

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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