The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has announced upcoming changes to traffic patterns and a road closure in east-central Georgia as part of ongoing infrastructure improvements.
In Laurens County, the alignment of State Route 117 at the intersection with US Route 441/US Route 319/State Route 31 will shift on Thursday, July 31. The change will close off the current intersection and move all SR 117 traffic south to a location across from Doyle Taylor Road. GDOT advises drivers to proceed carefully through the new pattern. Vehicles turning right onto SR 117 from southbound US 441/US 319/SR 31 will need to reduce speed due to the new right-angle intersection.
This modification is part of a larger project aimed at widening US 441/US 319/SR 31 just south of Dublin and Interstate 16. The contractor previously reduced this section of highway between Pinehill Road and Scotland Road from four lanes to two lanes on July 23.
In Wilkes County, Big Cedar Road at Rocky Creek will be closed starting Tuesday, August 12, for bridge replacement work by Gregory Bridge Company under a $2.9 million contract. The existing bridge was built in 1966 and is scheduled for replacement, with the closure expected until January 2026. Detour signs and message boards will direct drivers along SR 80 north to US 78, then east on US 78 back to Big Cedar Road.
Schedules for these projects may change depending on weather conditions. GDOT urges drivers to stay alert, obey posted signage, and reduce speeds when driving through work zones. For updates on construction status and real-time traffic information, motorists can call Georgia’s travel information service at “511”, visit https://511ga.org/, or use the Georgia 511 mobile app.
“Drivers are strongly encouraged to proceed with caution,” GDOT stated in its announcement regarding the Laurens County change.
“Signs and message boards will be installed to warn drivers of the closure,” according to GDOT about the Wilkes County project.
“Please note, schedules are subject to change depending on weather conditions. Drivers are advised to exercise caution, reduce their speed, stay alert, and watch for workers while navigating work zones,” GDOT reminded motorists in its release.
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