Georgia DOT has started the procurement process for the forthcoming SR 42 bridge replacement in Locust Grove. The bridge is located between Bethlehem Road and Harris Drive.
SR 42 Bridge Replacement, Locust Grove
The State Route 42 bridge spans the Norfolk Southern railroad. The existing structure was built in 1938 and widened in 1979. The project will replace the existing bridge with a new structure.
Georgia DOT started preliminary work in 2017 towards the bridge’s future replacement. US Senator Jon Ossoff held a press conference at the bridge in January 2022. There, he announced Georgia would be receiving federal funds towards bridge repair and replacement projects. This project is part of those dollars.
The state DOT is using a design-build process for the project. This means they will hire a project team involving both a design firm and general contractor. The team will then finalize the project's design before construction begins. More information about design-build projects is on the state DOT website.
Georgia DOT shared a public notice advising of the upcoming project on January 24, 2025. GDOT expects to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the project on March 28. They will select the project finalists in May 2025. A Request for Proposals (RFP) for the finalists would then follow. The state expects to conclude the procurement process by October 2025. After which time, the selected design-build team can begin work.
Additional details, such as the estimated construction timeframe, will follow at a later date.
About the Project
Although the project design is not yet finalized, Georgia DOT has shared some criteria the project must meet. They also shared the concept layout depicted above. The project must fulfill the following:
- The work consists of the removal and replacement of the existing bridge along SR 42 over the Norfolk Southern railroad. It will also construct a shared-use path, between Bethlehem Road and Harris Drive. The Design-Builder will be responsible for the design and construction of the project.
- The Design-Builder will provide design, permitting, utility coordination and / or utility relocation, and construction to build the project.
- The Design-Builder will be required to coordinate all plans with Georgia DOT for the I-75 at Bethlehem Road interchange. Editor's note: the Bethlehem Road exit will also be undergoing its procurement process in 2025.
- The new bridge shall be constructed to not preclude a future widening of SR 42 to four lanes.
The project's estimated cost includes $53.2 million for construction. Total project costs are an estimated $63.5 million.
Featured image shows the SR 42 bridge replacement concept layout in Locust Grove. Georgia DOT photo with insert map added by Henry Reporter / insert created with Datawrapper.
