A new road improvement project is officially underway.

Ground was broken April 11 on a planned overhaul of Peeksville Road that covers 1.3 miles from the Henry County Water Reservoir Bridge to Old Jackson Road. A number of county staff and some elected officials were on hand for the event.

The scope of the work will include road widening, asphalt paving, construction of shoulders and drainage improvements, according to county SPLOST project manager Bert Bivins. In addition to this, raised pavement markers and thermoplastic striping will be added to enhance visibility and lane delineation.

Improvements will also include the realignment of the intersection of Peeksville Road at Old Jackson Road, Bivins said.

“The inclusion of pavement and emphasis on enhancing drainage conditions will provide a quality road that will minimize the necessity of frequent maintenance,” he said. “The resources that have been utilized in the past to maintain this road can now be re-allocated towards other needed improvements throughout the County. The improved design will also contribute to better east/west connectivity routes and reduce traffic delays.”

Bivins noted the larger significance of a project that exemplifies 15 years of progress. 

“We are really excited about this project and what it represents,” he said. “This is the third stretch of Peeksville Road that we’ve worked on, going all the way back to 2007, with funds allocated from three separate SPLOST programs. It’s emblematic of our commitment to spending tax dollars wisely, and to continue repaying the faith that residents place in us when they vote for these referenda.”

The project will cost a total of $3.6 million, with work to be completed by McCoy Grading. While the contract stipulates that McCoy has 540 days to finish the job, county officials are optimistic that the project will be completed sooner.

The project will be paid for using SPLOST V dollars set aside by District 1 Commissioner Johnny Wilson, who attended the ceremony and stressed the significance of the project to his district and the county.

“This will allow more citizens to move north-south from [state routes] 42 to 81 without hitting heavier traffic on the north end of the District,” Wilson said. “SPLOST V is pennies put to good use. I allocated every dime of discretionary dollars I received to build, improve, or resurface roads. And this project was central to that.”

Board of Commissioners chair Carlotta Harrell also attended the event. She struck a chord of gratitude around Wilson’s intentionality with his SPLOST allotment.

“Commissioner Wilson had tremendous foresight,” Harrell said. “He’s made investments in moving our citizens around the county and ensuring that folks can get where they’re going safely. This is going to benefit everyone and we’re all grateful for it.”

For more on the ongoing SPLOST work being completed across Henry County, visit henrycountyga.gov/splost.