Budget adjustments by Georgia DOT have delayed the start of construction on dual roundabouts in downtown McDonough. The project will build two roundabouts at state route 20 and Lawrenceville Street / McGarity Road.
McDonough Dual Roundabouts Delayed
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.
The state has recommended dual roundabouts to improve the intersections. GDOT shared this design with residents during a 2021 open house.
The project has experienced several delays from its original construction date of 2021. Most recently, the project was scheduled to accept construction bids this month, November 2024. Before the month’s bids went out, the state held off. MHF News reached out for an update. According to the state DOT, they delayed the project for two reasons:
- to allow more time for utility coordination with Georgia Power and the city of McDonough, and
- the state moved construction funding from FY 2025 to FY 2026 for budget balancing.
In September, the McDonough council approved their share of utility relocation costs. The city has water and sewer lines within the project limits. The relocation cost totals $1,550,365. 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 state’s 2026 fiscal year will start on July 1, 2025. The project could bid out thereafter. The state’s project page can be found on their website.
Featured image shows the SR 20 dual roundabouts concept layout. Georgia DOT photo. [/mepr-show]
