The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) has selected design-build teams for two major transportation projects in Henry County: the I-75 at Bethlehem Road Interchange and the State Route 42 at Norfolk Southern Bridge Replacement. The combined investment for these projects is $180 million, with the goal of improving safety and easing access to support current and future development in the area.
The contract for the I-75 at Bethlehem Road Interchange was awarded to a joint venture between C.W. Matthews Contracting Co., Inc., E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc., and ICE, LLC for $154.8 million. Georgia DOT used a best value procurement method that considered both price and technical proposals. Two teams submitted proposals, with bids opened on November 12, 2025.
For the SR 42 at Norfolk Southern Bridge Replacement, E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc./BCC Engineering DBA Heath & Lineback was named as the apparent successful proposer and received a contract worth $24.47 million. This project used a two-phase, low bid procurement process with three proposers; bids were opened on October 24, 2025.
“Henry County’s rapid growth demands transportation solutions that can be delivered quickly and effectively,” said Rick O’Hara, Georgia DOT P3 Pre-Let Project Manager. “Through the Design-Build model, we can fast-track these projects, improve coordination, and reduce overall costs—advantages that directly translate into safer intersections, better traffic flow, and long-lasting benefits for the communities along this corridor.”
The I-75 at Bethlehem Road Interchange will create a new interchange along I-75 at County Road 312/Bethlehem Road between Bill Gardner Parkway and SR 155. The project includes realigning and widening Bethlehem Road to four lanes along the corridor and constructing four new roundabouts designed to accommodate both passenger vehicles and trucks by including concrete truck aprons for larger vehicles.
New bridges over I-75 and Bethlehem Bottoms River are also part of this project. These changes aim to enhance connectivity in the area, improve travel operations, and support economic growth along the corridor. Final design is expected to begin in early 2026 with construction starting later that year; substantial completion is anticipated by late 2029.
The SR 42 at Norfolk Southern Bridge Replacement will replace an aging bridge with one featuring two twelve-foot travel lanes, two-foot shoulders, and a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. Traffic will remain on the existing bridge during construction without requiring an off-site detour. This replacement is part of Georgia’s broader effort to modernize bridges across the state. Final design work is scheduled to start in early 2026 with construction beginning later that year; substantial completion is expected by late 2028.
“These projects represent a shared vision for a safer and more connected Henry County, and Georgia DOT is excited to continue working with our industry partners to bring that vision to life,” said Porshia Hayden, PMP, Georgia DOT P3 Pre-Let Project Manager. “Ongoing collaboration with local leaders and community stakeholders remains a cornerstone of our approach, so that every improvement aligns with the needs and priorities of those who live and work here.”
More information about the I-75 at Bethlehem Road Interchange project can be found at https://i75-bethlehemrd-gdot.hub.arcgis.com/. Details about the SR 42 at Norfolk Southern Bridge Replacement Project are available at https://sr42norfolksouthernbridgereplacement-gdot.hub.arcgis.com/. Further details about Georgia DOT’s design-build initiatives can be accessed via http://www.dot.ga.gov/PS/Innovative/DesignBuild.
Georgia DOT manages planning, construction, maintenance of state highways as well as programs related to bridges, waterways, public transit systems such as rail or aviation infrastructure throughout Georgia.
