New Funding Gives A Timeline for 81 Widening, Phase II

Georgia DOT recently programmed a project ID and funding for the state route 81 widening, phase II. The project will extend between Bethany Road and Keys Ferry.

The project represents $39 million in new funding this decade for a major road project. Altogether, Henry County has over $700 million dollars coming its way for major projects.

State Route 81 Widening Funding

In the SPLOST V program, Henry County budgeted $400,000 to kickstart phase II of the state route 81 widening. This funding represents the local match for engineering and design work. Voters approved SPLOST V in November 2019. Collections began in April 2020.

Late last year, the Atlanta Regional Commission selected the 81 widening to receive $1.6 million in federal funding. The design funds are in fiscal year 2024. FY 24 begins in July. When considered with the local funds, there is $2 million for design. The county should hire a design consultant later this year.

Now, Georgia DOT has programmed project ID 0019638 to represent phase II of the 81 widening. In addition, they allocated right of way and construction funding. The right of way funds are in fiscal year 2027. They include $3 million in federal funds and $4 million in expected local funds. Finally, there is $30 million in FY 2029 for construction. This would be sourced from federal funds.

Federal funds cover up to 80% of project costs. The state or local funds can pay for the other 20%. In the case of state route 81, local SPLOST funds have provided this match so far. The county can program additional local dollars, as needed, in future programs.

State Route 81 Widening, Phase I

Before work occurs from Bethany Road to Keys Ferry, there will first be widening work between Postmaster Drive and Bethany. This is phase I of the work.

In March 2023, phase I received federal environmental approval and the state DOT approved the location & design. With both steps now complete, the project can begin right of way acquisition. This expects to take two years.

Construction on the state route 81 widening, phase I, will tentatively begin in summer 2025. Road work is estimated at two years.

Featured image shows a map of the state route 81 widening projects. OpenStreetMap photo.