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GDOT's Upcoming Open House: A Chance to Shape the Bethlehem Road Project
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is reaching out to the community with an invitation to attend an open house aimed at discussing the upcoming I-75 exit at Bethlehem Road. Scheduled for March 27, 2025, at the Locust Grove Recreation Center, this event is geared toward homeowners and community members who will be impacted by the alterations along this major route.
What to Expect at the Open House
The open house, running from 4 PM to 7 PM, will provide the latest updates on the Bethlehem Road interchange’s plans, which include the construction of a new exit between McDonough and Locust Grove. Residents can drop in anytime during the open house hours to engage with GDOT representatives, ask questions, and express their concerns.
A Brief Background on the Project
The idea for this significant interchange has been in discussion since at least 2014 when preliminary studies identified the Bethlehem Road area as the ideal location for a new exit. GDOT received federal approval for the relocation back in 2018, and in 2020, the plans began to take concrete shape under their leadership. Financing for the project is a collaborative effort, with Henry County contributing $5 million and Locust Grove contributing $1 million, alongside state and federal funding.
Keeping the Community Informed
This open house follows the first meeting held in spring 2023, allowing GDOT to continue keeping the community in the loop as the project progresses. Attendees can also participate in a public online comments period, taking place from March 27 to April 10, ensuring that feedback is integral to shaping the project. Additionally, a virtual open house has been made available for those unable to attend in person, reflecting GDOT’s commitment to accessibility.
The Scope of the Project
Beyond constructing a new interstate exit, the Bethlehem Road project entails more comprehensive infrastructural changes. A modern four-lane Bethlehem Road will be established south of the current road, enhancing connectivity by extending from Greenwood Industrial/Lester Mill Road to Georgia 42. To accommodate increased traffic and improve safety, the project involves building three new bridges. These will span Bethlehem Road over I-75, over Bethlehem Bottoms Creek, and the northbound off-ramp from I-75 itself. Notably, the layout also includes plans for four roundabouts to facilitate smoother traffic flow.
Funding and Timeline: A Long Road Ahead
The latest estimates have placed the total project cost at an eye-popping $286 million, slightly revised from earlier figures. Following the open house, GDOT's procurement process has already begun, intending to select a design-build team by October 2025, with final design work in 2026. Construction of the exit is slated to commence by the end of 2026, expected to span three to four years.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
For residents of Locust Grove and surrounding areas, this project represents more than just another construction schedule; it symbolizes an evolution of their commute, an improvement in safety, and the potential for economic growth. Given the heavy truck traffic in the area linked to industrial zones, the Bethlehem Road interchange is designed to alleviate congestion, directly influencing the daily lives of thousands of drivers. Such infrastructure not only aids in traffic management but could also play a crucial role in boosting local business and property values.
Final Thoughts: Participate and Make Your Voice Count
As the open house approaches, community members are encouraged to participate actively, ask questions, and voice their opinions. Engaging with GDOT at this juncture is vital, as it can influence how the project unfolds to better serve the needs of the area and its residents. Be sure to mark your calendars for March 27 at the Locust Grove Recreation Center. Your insights can help shape a project that will benefit everyone in the community.
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