The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) recently hosted elected officials from Henry County, the City of McDonough, and the City of Stockbridge for a tour that focused on major transportation projects in the area. Attendees included Henry County Board of Commissioners Chair Carlotta Harrell and Stockbridge Mayor Jayden Williams.
Dana Lemon, Congressional District 13 representative on the Georgia State Transportation Board, led the tour alongside Tyler Peek, District Engineer for GDOT’s west central region. Lemon stated, “These Henry County transportation projects are designed to better serve residents, commuters, and businesses while supporting the county’s long-term transportation needs.”
The meeting provided an update on key projects such as the widening of State Route 20/81. This project is considered vital for east–west travel within Henry County and aims to improve traffic reliability and reduce congestion. Completion is expected in 2027.
Another focus was the Rock Quarry Road Widening project. The expansion will help manage increasing residential development, industrial activity, and access to healthcare facilities. It is scheduled for completion in 2028.
The I-75 Express Lanes Project was also discussed. The initiative seeks to enhance traffic flow by expanding tolled managed lanes along I-75 South Metro Express Lanes system. Once completed, these lanes will operate bi-directionally around the clock instead of reversing direction based on peak travel times. Governor Brian P. Kemp’s amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget includes $1.8 billion for this project, which remains in its concept phase.
Lemon emphasized ongoing collaboration: “Georgia DOT’s continued partnership between city and county leadership is critical to ensuring these projects are delivered efficiently and with minimal disruption to local communities.” She added, “Georgia DOT has several ongoing projects throughout Henry County, and I look forward to further discussions with local officials on the impact Georgia’s transportation investments will have on improving traffic flow, increasing connectivity, and supporting future growth across the region.”
Other initiatives highlighted during the briefing included SR 42 Widening, Western Parallel Connector, SR 81 at New Morn Drive improvements, SR 81 Widening (Phase 1), upgrades at SR 20 at Lawrenceville and McGarity roads, a new bridge over Norfolk-Southern Railroad on SR 42, and an interchange at I-75 at Bethlehem Road.
For more details about Georgia DOT projects in Henry County or statewide initiatives, interested parties can visit the Georgia DOT Projects Search Portal.
Georgia DOT manages planning, construction, and maintenance for state and federal highways across Georgia. Its responsibilities also extend to bridges, waterways infrastructure, public transit systems, railways, aviation programs for general use airports as well as bicycle and pedestrian networks. The agency supports local governments with road maintenance efforts through its workforce of nearly 4,000 employees who prioritize innovation and safety in their operations.
