Construction has begun on the Bells Ferry Road widening project in Woodstock, Georgia. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) awarded a $37.2 million contract to Astra Group LLC in January to expand the road from two lanes to four.
“It’s been a long road to getting to this point,” said GDOT District Engineer Grant Waldrop. “We’re moving dirt now, and that means we’re on the way to seeing Bells Ferry expanded to fit the growing needs of the area.”
Cherokee County utilized Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funds for right-of-way acquisition, spending $18.3 million on 135 parcels needed for the project.
“The Bells Ferry widening is a much-needed and long-awaited transportation improvement project,” said Cherokee County Manager Geoff Morton. “We appreciate GDOT’s action in ensuring this project moves forward to relieve congestion in the area and correct problematic alignment in particular roadway segments.”
The project will widen approximately 2.4 miles of Bells Ferry Road, starting at Southfork Way and ending near Victoria Road. Some intersections will be updated with Reduced Conflict U-Turns (RCUT), which prevent left turns or crossings at intersections by directing traffic into right turns followed by U-turns.
In addition to widening, improvements include a multi-use sidewalk and enhanced visibility on curves leading into intersections with traffic signals.
“Our main goals with this project are to reduce congestion, prepare for future growth along Bells Ferry Road, and continue to make our roads as safe as possible,” Waldrop said. “We ask that the public be patient and drive slowly in work zones while our crews work.”
Motorists should expect delays and exercise caution while traveling through work zones. For real-time updates on work status and traffic conditions, call 511 or visit 511ga.org.
