Henry County is presently acquiring the last right of way for the western parallel connector. Construction on the new road plans to start later this year. When complete, the four-lane road will provide an alternate route to Interstate 75 in Stockbridge.
The project connects Hudson Bridge, Jodeco and Jonesboro Roads. The Costco development has constructed a portion of the new roadway between Mt. Olive Road and Jodeco Road.
Western Parallel Connector Right of Way
Henry County began acquiring right of way for the western parallel connector in 2020. There are twenty-one parcels affected by the project. The estimated cost for right of way acquisition was $6.6 million dollars. Although this is a state-funded project, the Georgia DOT and Henry County agreed the local government would lead right of way acquisition. This means county staff have been the primary point of contact negotiating with affected property owners.
In February & March 2024, the county commissioners authorized condemnation proceedings on four parcels. Condemnation, also referred to as eminent domain, is generally a last resort if the county and property owner are unable to agree to a purchase price. The county does not purchase the entire property, but rather only that area necessary to construct the new road.
After the county has acquired all right of way, then the state can accept construction bids. The most recent construction cost estimate was $40 million dollars. The state plans to accept bids in May. If this occurs, then we could learn in June whether the state approves a contract. Afterwards, the state estimates construction will last 2.5 years.
WPC Open House
The Georgia DOT held an open house about the project in October 2023. Residents could learn more about the project and provide feedback. The state shared their response letter this month. They received 26 comments during the open house. Of those who submitted comments, 13 respondents indicated their support for the project. Six expressed conditional support, five were opposed, 1 was uncommitted and one did not leave a comment.
Below are some excerpts from the state’s response letter:
Several respondents voiced concerns that the proposed project would not improve traffic operations and would worsen traffic flow from I-75.
The proposed I-75 Western Parallel Connector would provide local travelers with an alternative route to I-75 and access for future developments between Hudson Bridge Road and Jonesboro Road. GDOT collects traffic counts along roadways to help determine the level of traffic congestion and to develop projections of traffic congestion along a project corridor. This preliminary analysis determines if travelers will experience increasing levels of high congestion and long delays if there are no improvements. A capacity analysis is then conducted to help determine future traffic needs, such as the number of travel lanes needed, based on achieving an acceptable level of service. Based on this analysis, the proposed project would decrease traffic along I-75 by providing an alternative route with improved intersections, pedestrian facilities, and operations.
One respondent questioned whether there will be a new exit between Jodeco Road and Hudson Bridge from the interstate.
The project does not propose to add any exits from I-75. The project would tie into the existing intersections at Jonesboro Road, Jodeco Road, and Hudson Bridge Road. Presently, there are no projects in development that would add an exit to I-75 in this area.
Several respondents voiced concerns about the traffic on Jonesboro Road.
A project is currently programmed to address traffic on Jonesboro Road. This project proposes to widen Jonesboro Road from US 19 / 41 to I-75 from two to four lanes with a raised median. Design has coordinated both projects to determine intersection configurations. Design will continue to coordinate the projects as required.
Editor’s note: Henry County has a Jonesboro Road widening project separate from Georgia DOT. The county’s transportation SPLOST program is paying for the project. It extends between I-75 and North Mt. Carmel Road. The county expects to start construction in 2025.
Several respondents raised concerns that were out of the proposed project’s scope. These comments include adding a light or roundabout at the intersection of Chambers and Mt. Olive Road.
The intersection of Chambers Road and Mount Olive Road is about a half-mile outside of the Western Parallel Connector project limits. The proposed project will remove some of the north / south traffic traveling along Mount Olive Road, alleviating some queuing issues at the intersection of these local roads. Presently, there are no plans by GDOT or Henry County to alter this intersection.
Featured image shows the signalized intersection at Jodeco Road and Western Parallel Connector. Clayton Carte photo.
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