Motorists will soon see road work after the city of Locust Grove approved a contract for I-75 exit 212 modifications. All construction is expected to occur during overnight hours.
The project will add a second turning lane from Bill Gardner Parkway to I-75 South. It will also add a center raised median on a portion of Bill Gardner Pkwy.
I-75 Exit 212 Modifications
Locust Grove awarded a construction contract during the September 6 council meeting. Piedmont Paving, Inc. will complete the exit 212 updates at a cost of $3.45 million. The city accepted construction bids in July.
The final price tag could see cost savings up to $200,000 through working with Georgia DOT to acquire signal equipment. In addition, the state has committed $300,000 to help Locust Grove pay for the project.
The exit 212 modifications are designed to improve traffic flow while limiting the scope of work to avoid costly changes to the interstate overpass. The work will maximize the existing width underneath the bridge by removing one of two sidewalks. Specifically, the sidewalk on the south side of Bill Gardner is going away. The sidewalk on the north side of the road will remain.
After the sidewalk’s removal, this move frees up road width for a second turning lane onto I-75 South. The project will likewise update the I-75 South ramp to receive two turning lanes.
Center Raised Median
The road project is also adding a center raised median on Bill Gardner Parkway. The median will extend between I-75 North and Tanger Blvd. This will improve traffic flow and safety by preventing left turns into or out of adjacent businesses. Examples include QuikTrip and McDonalds.
Instead, motorists leaving a business must turn right. A U-turn opportunity will be available at the I-75 South red light for westbound traffic to U-turn back towards town.
Featured image shows road plan for I-75 exit 212 modifications. Photo credit Locust Grove.
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