Two Road Projects Starting Construction in Locust Grove

New construction barrels are going out along Bill Gardner Parkway and state route 42 in Locust Grove. The locations represent two major road projects starting construction within the city.

Georgia DOT contractors will be widening a portion of highway 42. Secondly, the city of Locust Grove is paying for a new center median on Bill Gardner Pkwy and additional turn lane onto I-75 South.

Highway 42 Widening

Georgia DOT awarded a construction contract last August for widening highway 42. The state issued the notice to proceed to start road work in December. CW Matthews Contracting is building the project for $1.7 million.

The widening work will add a second southbound lane between Bill Gardner Parkway and Peeksville Road. The contract completion date is July 31, 2024.

Bill Gardner Parkway Construction

The city of Locust Grove awarded construction to improve Bill Gardner Parkway in September. They issued a notice to proceed on January 2, 2023.

Piedmont Paving will complete the project at a cost of $3.45 million. The majority of road work will be done during overnight hours. The nighttime work is costing the city an additional $750,000.

To make room for the new turn lane, the project will remove the existing sidewalk on the south side of Bill Gardner Pkwy underneath I-75. The north sidewalk will remain. This left-hand turn lane will facilitate movement from BGP to I-75 South.

In addition, the project will add a center median between I-75 North and Tanger Blvd. All work should be complete by late summer 2023.

Future Projects

Georgia DOT and Locust Grove are concurrently working on several future road projects. The largest will be the new interstate exit at Bethlehem Road. A study is also underway to identify the best location for a grade-separated railroad crossing. Design work is in progress to extend Peeksville Road to Frances Ward Drive. Another project will add a traffic light at state route 42 and Bethlehem Road. Finally, the county will be widening Bill Gardner Pkwy west of I-75.

Featured image shows Bill Gardner Parkway with construction barrels. Clayton Carte photo.