Construction projects in Colquitt County, Georgia, are set to cause detours and affect local traffic as contractors work on replacing a bridge and a railroad crossing.
A detour was put in place Monday on Moultrie Lenox Road for the replacement of the Gum Creek bridge. The road could remain closed for up to 180 days. Signs have been posted directing drivers to use Albert Brady Road, Crosland-Lenox Road, and Ellenton Omega Road as alternative routes. Access on Moultrie Lenox Road is limited to local traffic only—those needing entry to businesses or residences—while through traffic is not permitted.
The Gum Creek bridge, located about nine miles east of Norman Park and originally built in 1964, has been identified as deficient due to corrosion and cracking. Weight limits have been posted because of its condition. The replacement project is part of the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Low Impact Bridge Program (LIBP), which assists local governments in updating old or structurally unsound bridges using prefabricated components and off-site detours for faster completion. The construction contract for this project is valued at approximately $1.9 million.
Another detour will begin March 10 with the closure of Dona Turner Road at State Route 133 so that a contractor can replace an at-grade railroad crossing west of the state route. Traffic will still be able to access Dona Turner Road from Mike Horne Road; however, only local vehicles heading north toward the railroad crossing should use this portion of Dona Turner Road. Through traffic should avoid it during construction, which is expected to last about 30 days. This work forms part of a larger effort to widen and reconstruct SR 133.
“The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment,” according to GDOT.
For further information or questions regarding these projects, residents can contact Nita Birmingham.
