State Route 31 in Atkinson County is set to reopen on Thursday, February 5, after the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) replaced two aging bridge culverts over Hog Creek and its tributary. GDOT staff plan a final inspection of the new structures on Thursday morning before allowing traffic to resume.
The original bridge culverts, located south of Pearson and constructed in 1940, were in poor condition and not designed for today’s heavier vehicles. To facilitate construction, a detour was established for non-local traffic starting in May 2025.
As part of the project, the Hog Creek culvert was replaced with a bridge featuring two 12-foot lanes and 10-foot shoulders. The tributary culvert received a new structure as well. The total construction cost was approximately $5 million.
According to GDOT, “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.”
