The Georgia Department of Transportation has more than $18 million in road improvement projects planned in Madison County over the next four years with a widening project in Comer among the plans.
The DOT plans to spend $13 million to widen State Route 72 from west of the city limits of Comer to east of the Broad River.
The DOT held a meeting in Jefferson recently to present the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which is a four-year plan detailing federally-funded projects. The plan presented is for 2011-2014.
Maps of the projects were on display and DOT engineers were at the meeting to answer questions. The majority of those who attended the hearing were county and city officials.
Other projects planned in Madison County include: replacing a bridge on State Route 191 at Scull Shoal Creek, four miles northeast of Danielsville; and resurfacing and maintenance on County Road 394/Lexington Road from State Route 72 to the Oglethorpe County line.
The Hwy. 72 project:
Here’s what DOT spokesperson Teri Pope has to say:
•“The Comer Carlton Bypass – SR 72 from the western city limits of Comer to east of the Broad River in Elbert Co is 9.33 miles long. Right of way acquisition is underway but was only partially funded in 07 at $4.2 million. The balance of the right of way funds $5.38 million is scheduled in FY 13. Construction is not scheduled yet, no funds allocated. Construction will be beyond the STIP, beyond FY 14. We are working on right of way and currently have 48 parcels acquired of the 90 needed.”
•”The 72 widening from east of SR 172 to the western city limits of Comer is 2.67 miles long. Some right of way funds were allocated in FY 07 $3.6 million. We are currently buying the lane needed. Of the 41 parcels needed only 4 are acquired so far. Working on it. Construction is currently scheduled for FY 14 at an estimated cost of $14 million.”
