The Georgia Department of Transportation has released new information in the past month on three separate Henry County projects in the works.
It was announced January 21 that GDOT engineers have proposed the installation of a reduced conflict U-turn (RCUT) at the intersection of Hwy. 20, New Morn Drive and Manley Drive between McDonough and Hampton. This configuration would require all side street traffic to turn right and then complete a U-turn to continue through the intersection.
Officials said that RCUTs are used to reduce right-angle crashes, citing data that shows a 73 percent reduction in such accidents in five years since the installation of an RCUT a short distance away where Simpson Mill Road and Oakland Road intersection with Hwy. 20. Construction of the new intersection is tentatively scheduled to begin in the early spring of 2021.
Approval was granted January 8 by GDOT for the location and design of a project that would replace the bridge on Hwy. 42 over the railroad crossing about five miles south of McDonough and two and a half miles north of Locust Grove. According to state officials, the proposed bridge would be west of the current alignment and the entire project is about two-thirds of a mile in length. Traffic would be maintained on the existing bridge with temporary pavement widening where needed and an on-site detour for Harris Drive.
Also approved is a plan that would lead to the creation of a roundabout on Hwy. 81 at Jackson Lake Road and Snapping Shoals Road on the eastern edge of Henry County. Final approval of the design and location of the project came January 5. The project lies entirely within Henry County, about 11 miles east of McDonough. Each leg of the roundabout will have raised medians as well as curb and gutter, according to GDOT officials, and the project will also include crosswalks and ramps on each approach for ADA compliance.
Anyone with questions or concerns about these projects is encouraged to phone 706-646-7631 or send an email to krcollins@dot.ga.gov.
