Georgia DOT approves state route 20 widening

Georgia DOT has approved a construction contract for the state route 20 widening project. The project extends between I-75 and Phillips Drive in McDonough.

When complete, the roadway will be four lanes wide. There will also be a sidewalk and multiuse path on either side of the road. Construction will require 2.5 years.

State Route 20 Widening

The state route 20 widening project began design work in 2016. Right of way acquisition then started in 2018. Now, construction will begin in 2023. The state gas tax — increased by lawmakers in 2015 — has paid for the project.

Georgia DOT announced on Wednesday, December 14, they have awarded a contract. The state accepted construction bids in September. Pittman Construction Company of Conyers, GA has won the bid to widen highway 20. The project’s contract cost equals $24,327,037.95. The contract completion date is May 31, 2025.

Dual-Lane Roundabout

The state route 20 widening project includes several notable elements. First, the project will install a new dual-lane roundabout at highway 20 and McDonough Parkway. This replaces the current traffic light. In addition, the new roundabout will tie into a newly built section of McDonough Parkway. This road section is south of highway 20. When open, motorists will be able to continue south on McDonough Parkway to the county tag office and state route 155.

Secondly, the widening project will be making several changes near I-75. This includes converting the Old Industrial Blvd light to a signalized R-Cut. R-Cut intersections limit the side streets to right turns only. This change will improve the efficiency of highway 20 and the adjacent diverging diamond interchange.

Nearby intersections will see upgrades to support new traffic flows following the R-Cut addition. This includes dual left-hand turning lanes from both Industrial Blvd and Willow Lane onto highway 20. Finally, Willow Lane will receive a new traffic light at the back entrance into Walmart.

Featured image shows the roundabout concept at state route 20 and McDonough Parkway. Georgia DOT photo.