
Henry County has started accepting construction bids for two major road extensions. They are the McDonough Parkway extension and Flippen Road extension.
Bids are due in March. Construction is estimated at 18 months for both projects.
McDonough Parkway Extension
The McDonough Parkway extension represents the last phase to build a bypass around downtown McDonough. Specifically, the extension will connect state routes 42 and 155 north of the town square. The new road will connect into highway 155 at Turner Church Road. The project includes building a new bridge over SR 155.
Henry County SPLOST IV, SPLOST V and T-SPLOST funds are paying for the project. Preliminary engineering and design work occurred during SPLOST IV. The fourth SPLOST also contributed to right of way costs. Now, SPLOST V and T-SPLOST funds will pay for its construction.
In addition to the north extension, another segment will open in the near-future. The southwest segment connects Georgia 20 and Henry Parkway. This also provides connectivity to Georgia 155 south of town. Right now, Georgia DOT is widening highway 20 to four lanes. Part of this project will include building a new roundabout at GA 20 and McDonough Parkway, as well as opening the southwest segment of the parkway.
Altogether, when both segments are open, motorists will have a bypass option to avoid downtown McDonough. They will be able to use the McDonough Parkway as an alternate route to highways 20 and 155 instead of traveling through the square.
Flippen Road Extension
The Flippen Road extension is another long-envisioned roadway project. The idea to extend Flippen Road dates back decades, but did not receive funding until the passage of SPLOST V. Voters approved SPLOST V in 2019. The project will extend Flippen Road south of the current terminus to meet Jonesboro Road. The roadway will tie-into Jonesboro Road at the existing North Mt. Carmel Road traffic light. The roadway will also provide a connection with the Dutchtown school cluster. This will provide a secondary access to the schools, and relieve congestion off Mitchell Road.
Bids for both projects close on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Afterwards, county staff will review the bids received. They should present to the board of commissioners this spring to consider approving construction. Work on both projects could then start this summer.
Featured image shows a concept layout for the McDonough Parkway extension. Henry County photo.
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