The Atlanta Regional Commission oversees federal transportation funds for projects within metro Atlanta. As part of an upcoming program update, the ARC is planning to award new federal funds to the Rock Quarry Road widening project.
The new federal funds will reduce the local cost-share to pay for construction on the project. Henry County estimates the project will begin construction later this year.
Rock Quarry New Federal Funds
Planning for the Rock Quarry Road widening project began a decade ago. The county set aside SPLOST IV funds for the project’s design in 2013. They later applied for and received federal funds in 2015 to help with the project. Subsequently, Henry County applied for federal funds towards right of way in 2017 and again in 2019 for construction funding. Federal dollars provide 80% of costs. The local SPLOST program has covered the remaining 20%.
Now, ARC is recommending Henry County to receive an additional $13.3 million in new federal funds. The funds are part of an upcoming TIP amendment 7. TIP stands for Transportation Improvement Program. Any project receiving federal funds must be part of this project list. TIP amendment 7 will update major project cost estimates and provide new funds on eleven projects within the Atlanta area.
Public comment on TIP amendment 7 will begin later this month. The ARC board will consider approval of the amendment in May.
Project Status
At this time, Henry County is nearly complete with right of way acquisition to widen Rock Quarry Road. The water authority board will consider this month approving one of the last pieces of land the county must acquire.
The county is on schedule to accept construction bids for the project this summer. The board of commissioners will then have to consider awarding a contract. Construction is estimated to last two years.
Featured image shows railroad overpass on Rock Quarry Road. Clayton Carte photo.
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