A new dual roundabout project is coming soon in downtown McDonough. The state-led project is located on state route 20 at Lawrenceville Street and McGarity Road. The city council approved their share of the utility relocation costs on September 16, 2024.
McDonough Dual Roundabouts
Georgia DOT began engineering work in 2018 to improve SR 20 at Lawrenceville Street, and SR 20 at McGarity Road. State DOT staff recommended the location for improvements after observing the delays and long queues. Motorists attempting to turn left from either side road must often wait for a safe opportunity to proceed.
They approved the project concept report in December 2019. The state’s preferred alternative will install dual roundabouts. In addition, there will be a center median between the two roundabouts. The state estimates this design will reduce traffic delays by 84–89% in the AM and PM peak hours. GDOT shared this design with residents during a 2021 open house.
The state considered an alternate design with traffic signals. This alternative would install a traffic light at both intersections. Georgia DOT estimated this design would reduce delays by 26–41%. They ruled out this alternate because the roundabout will provide greater benefit and reduction in delays.
Finally, the state considered to re-align Lawrenceville Street. This alternative would form a T-intersection between SR 20 and Lawrenceville Street. The state similarly ruled it out because the roundabout design will provide a better reduction in delays.
McDonough Utility Costs
The McDonough city council considered the project at their September 16 meeting. Specifically, the city considered its portion of the utility relocation costs. The city has water and sewer lines within the project limits.
The cost estimate to relocate the utilities totals $1,550,365. This breaks down to include $950,450 for the water line and $469,915 for the sewer line. This is also $130 thousand for engineering costs.
Georgia DOT has agreed to cover 20% of utility costs, or $310,073. The city will be responsible for the remaining 80%, or $1,240,292. The city will pay their share from T-SPLOST collections. The council unanimously approved the cost estimate.
Project Construction Schedule
Georgia DOT has the SR 20 dual roundabouts scheduled for their November 2024 letting. If the project remains on this schedule, then construction should begin by spring 2025. The state previously estimated construction would last about 18 months. The latest cost estimate for construction, according to the state’s website, is $6 million.
Featured image shows the SR 20 dual roundabouts concept layout. Georgia DOT photo. [/mepr-show]
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