The Georgia Department of Transportation announced on May 20 that State Route 36 southwest will be closed beginning June 1, 2026, for the replacement of a culvert at Norris Creek, approximately 3.2 miles southwest of Jackson. The closure is expected to last until fall of 2026 as crews remove the existing bottomless culvert and install a new box culvert.
This project is important because it aims to improve roadway safety and infrastructure reliability in the area. During construction, motorists will need to follow detour routes using State Route 16 and Interstate-75. Westbound SR 36 traffic will use SR 16 to I-75 southbound, exiting at Exit 201; eastbound SR 36 traffic will take I-75 northbound to Exit 205 (SR16) into Jackson.
Additional detours are outlined for England Chapel Road and Shiloh Road traffic: northbound vehicles on England Chapel Road should head east on SR16 before turning left onto Shiloh Road, then left onto Walt Banks Road, looping back to England Chapel Road; southbound drivers should turn left onto Walt Banks Road, right onto Shiloh Road, then right again onto SR16 before returning south of England Chapel Rd.
The department advised that dates may change due to weather or other factors. “Motorists are advised to expect delays, exercise caution, and reduce their speed while traveling through work zones. Before heading out, get real-time information on work status and traffic conditions. Call 511, visit 511ga.org, or download the Georgia 511 app,” according to the Georgia Department of Transportation.
The agency plans and maintains state and federal highways in Georgia while supporting bridge projects as well as public transit and other transportation initiatives across the state. It employs about four thousand staff members with an operating budget over $4.5 billion while working closely with local governments and federal agencies under the oversight of the State Transportation Board—delivering transportation solutions that support economic development throughout Georgia according to the official website.
Looking ahead, officials say these improvements are part of ongoing efforts by nearly four thousand employees focused on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility throughout Georgia’s extensive transportation network.
