April 3, 2023
Q: What is happening at the roundabout on state route 81 and Snapping Shoals Road / Jackson Lake Road?
A: Georgia DOT is replacing the mini-roundabout with a full-size circle. The mini-roundabout was first installed as a temporary safety measure while the state underwent design and bought right of way for the larger project. Construction is expected to complete this fall.
Q: Is there a restriction on the height of buildings? The new building off highway 42 is building a vertical tower.
A: No, there is no height restriction within industrial zoning districts. The new building will be an automated cold storage facility. Other similar buildings within the county top out at 130’.
Q: Why is there not a northbound left-hand turn light on Jonesboro Road at Willow Lane?
A: Georgia DOT maintains the signals on that section of Jonesboro Road. When the county requested a new left-hand turn signal, that request was denied. This was due to how a new turn signal would affect the traffic flow on Jonesboro Road by reducing its green time.
Q: Are there any plans to widen highway 42 between McDonough and Locust Grove?
A: Not presently. Widening the state route between the two cities would cost an estimated $120–$150 million dollars. The county would need financial assistance from Georgia DOT to pay for the project.
Q: Why doesn’t the county bond $500 million dollars, or a similar amount, to pay for road projects?
A: Borrowing funds for road projects would require voter approval via a referendum. Henry County has not placed such a question on the ballot. If the voters approved it, then property taxes for bond repayment may increase depending on the amount borrowed.
Funding is also not the only component to a project; major widening projects require years to complete design and buy right of way before they can build.
Q: Why aren’t road improvements happening? There are new subdivisions under construction throughout the county.
A: Major road projects are in progress, but require years to undergo design and buy right of way. First, a little bit of history: Georgia lawmakers increased the state gas tax in 2015. This doubled the state’s annual funding for transportation. Since then, Henry County has seen several major projects receive funding. The projects began design work around 2016 following the new gas tax.
Several of these projects are close to beginning construction. For example, the state route 20 widening in McDonough is starting this spring. The western parallel connector, a new four-lane roadway next to I-75, is set to start work next year. Altogether, there is over $700 million dollars this decade for major road projects in Henry County. One can expect this number to increase in the future, with other state funding and local SPLOST dollars.
March 20, 2023
Q: Are there any new senior apartments under construction?
A: Willow Place is under construction off highway 155 in McDonough. The new income-based senior apartments expect to open later this year. MHF News is not actively aware of other senior apartments under construction.
Q: Are there any plans for building new schools in the Timber Ridge / Ola area?
A: The current education SPLOST program includes building classroom additions at Ola High and Ola Middle. Design work for the middle school addition begins this fall. The next E-SPLOST referendum in 2026 will provide an opportunity for additional future projects.
Q: What areas of highway 20 are scheduled to be widened?
A: The Georgia 20 widening project extends between I-75 and Phillips Drive in McDonough. Georgia DOT issued the notice to proceed for road work to begin on March 7.
Q: What times do the school zone speed cameras operate?
A: The school zone cameras operate from one hour before the school day begins to one hour after the school day ends. This includes the middle of the day when the normal speed limit is in effect.
Q: Will there be a traffic light at highway 42 at Harris Drive?
A: Yes, Henry County worked with Georgia DOT in 2022 to secure funding and the state approval for a new traffic light. There is not presently an update when installation may occur.
Q: Is Costco building on Jodeco Road?
A: Costco does not comment on upcoming stores, nor is a new Georgia location listed as coming soon on their website. MHF News has not been able to independently verify whether Costco is building a location within Henry County.