The state route 81 widening project extends between Postmaster Drive and Bethany Road. It recently received location & design approval. This is a pre-requisite to the start of right of way acquisition.
Right of way staking will occur this spring. This results in visual stakes and survey marks showing the required right of way.
81 Widening Location & Design
Georgia DOT approved the state route 81 widening location & design on March 8, 2023. This means the proposed concept layout is satisfactory and meets state requirements. It also allows right of way acquisition to begin.
Before the state could approve the location & design, the project had to complete necessary environmental reviews. The project is using federal funds to help fund it. Because of this, the widening work had to undergo a federal environmental review. The state held a public hearing open house in December 2022 to comply with federal requirements. Subsequently, the federal finding of no significant impact was issued on March 7, 2023.
Henry County is the lead project sponsor on widening state route 81. County staff will now begin the process of right of way acquisition. Because the project is using federal funds, the state must also sign-off on each parcel for right of way. More information about this process is on the state DOT website.
There will be property impacts to an estimated 118 parcels. There was projected to be one displacement; however, new commercial development will be demoing this house instead. The new businesses, across from Lake Dow Publix, must preserve the state’s future right of way.
When right of way acquisition is complete, then the county will be able to bid out construction for the state route 81 widening. Right now, the project anticipates taking bids in May 2025. The build time is an estimated two years.
Project History
The Henry County SPLOST IV program set aside funds to begin design work. The county then applied for in 2015 and received federal funds to assist with design costs. Federal funds cover up to 80% of costs. Local dollars pay for the other 20%.
Subsequently, the county applied in 2017 and received federal funds for right of way. The right of way money is in fiscal year 2023 — happening now. Finally, the county last year won $7 million dollars towards construction. This money is in FY 2025 to align with the project schedule. The county also has transportation SPLOST funds set aside to pay for construction.
Total project cost estimates range between $35–$38 million dollars. About $22 million would be for construction, but build costs have seen a major increase lately. This figure will likely be more by 2025.
Featured image shows the state route 81 widening concept at Lake Dow Road. Georgia DOT / Henry County photo.
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