The Locust Grove city council approved the construction bid for state route 42 at Marketplace Blvd during the December 20 council meeting. The project will install a new traffic signal at the intersection.
Marketplace Blvd signal
The new signal along highway 42 has been a frequent request by city residents. Before Locust Grove could commence the project, it required both approval from Georgia DOT and Norfolk Southern. The railroad’s approval was necessary because of the intersection’s proximity to the tracks. Locust Grove received the final approvals during fall 2021.
The city solicited bids for the project through December 10. Four contractors submitted bids for the work. Lumin8 Transportation Technologies, LLC of Marietta, GA submitted the low bid at $152,940. This amount includes a $25,000 contingency that will be returned to the city if unused.
There is a 17–22 week wait time to receive the mast arms necessary for the project. The installation of the signal will occur after the contractor receives the parts.
Bill Gardner Parkway at Lester Mill Road
Another new signal in Locust Grove is quickly taking shape. Contractors recently installed a new traffic light at Bill Gardner Parkway and Lester Mill Road. Crews expect to activate the new signal before year end.
The new signal is temporary until a future widening project. The future project — part of Henry County’s transportation SPLOST program — will widen Bill Gardner Parkway from two to four lanes. The widening project may construct a roundabout at the intersection instead of a traffic light.
I-75 at exit 212 / Bill Gardner Parkway
Finally, Locust Grove is close to advancing another project. The city has been working with Georgia DOT on modifications to the I-75 interchange / exit 212. The project will change the lane configuration underneath the interstate to provide more turning lane queue space.
City staff are presently preparing the construction documents to go out for bid. Locust Grove has $500,000 in city T-SPLOST funds for the project.
Featured image shows State Route 42 at Marketplace Blvd. Photo credit Google Streetview.
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