Henry County Approved a State Agreement for Widening Projects

Map showing phases I & II of the state route 81 widening projects (OpenStreetMap photo).
State Route 81 widening phase I extends between Postmaster Drive to Bethany Road, referenced as points 1 to 2. Phase II extends further east to Keys Ferry Road, shown as points 2 to 3. (OpenStreetMap photo)

Henry County may proceed forward on two widening projects after approving a state agreement to receive funding. The county’s next step will be to hire a civil engineering firm to design the projects.

The widening projects include the following:

  • State Route 81, phase II, from Bethany Road to Keys Ferry, and
  • Mill Road, phase II, from Peachtree Peddler’s to SR 81.

State Agreement for Widening Projects

At the October 3 board meeting, Henry County adopted a project framework agreement for two projects. This agreement allows the county to receive state and federal funds. In addition, the county will be the project sponsor. This means the county will hire the design firm. County staff will also manage the project.

Both projects plan to widen the current roadway from two to four lanes. A sidewalk and / or multiuse path(s) will also be part of the work.

SR 81 Widening, Phase II

In the case of highway 81, the state will provide $1.6 million dollars for engineering or design work. The county must provide a 20% match, or $400,000. The SPLOST V program has funding available to cover this amount.

After the project design is complete, the state has right of way and construction funding budgeted in 2027 and 2029, respectively. Total project costs are estimated at $39 million dollars.

Phase I of the widening project extends Postmaster Drive and Bethany Road. The project began buying right of way this year. Construction expects to start in summer 2025.

Mill Road Widening, Phase II

Mill Road also has two phases. The first phase is between Jonesboro Road and Peachtree Peddler’s Flea Market. This project is presently in the design phase. Transportation SPLOST funds are paying for it.

This month’s project agreement pertains to phase II. Phase II would extend the widening further south from the flea market to state route 81. Georgia DOT will provide $600,000 in funding for design work. The county’s match equals $150,000.

Funding for later work, such as right of way and construction, are to be determined.

Featured image shows a map of the state route 81 widening projects. OpenStreetMap photo.

About Clayton 1745 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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