Georgia DOT has shared the latest concept for the future I-75 exit at Bethlehem Road. The project is in Locust Grove. New information depicts four roundabouts in the project.
Note this article was first published in March 2023.
Residents can submit comments about the project until April 20, 2023. Construction plans to start in 2026.
Bethlehem Road Exit Concept
The state DOT released the project open house in March 2023. The open house allows residents to learn more about the project, view the concept layout and submit feedback. This is the best way to submit your questions about the project.
The Bethlehem Road project includes building not only a new interstate exit, but also a new road. The new four-lane road will support future traffic volumes to and from the exit. It will be located south of the existing Bethlehem Road. The new road extends between Lester Mill Road and Georgia 42.
To facilitate the new road, the state plans to build two new bridges. They are located over I-75 and Bethlehem Bottoms Creek. The existing bridges at these locations will be removed.
Finally, the project has four new roundabouts. This includes two roundabouts at the I-75 off-ramps. The Bethlehem Road, Greenwood and Lester Mill intersection would see a roundabout. There would also be a roundabout on Bethlehem Road west of SR 42. In addition, there will be two traffic lights where Bethlehem Road, both new and old, meets state route 42.
View the concept layout below:
Public Comments
Update: Georgia DOT accepted public comments in spring 2023. They shared their response to comments in June 2023. The state’s project open house remains open for residents to view the project materials.
Project Timeline
Henry County formally began to study the idea for a new interstate exit in 2014. The federal government gave its approval in 2018. Georgia DOT has pledged $250 million dollars to build the new exit.
Georgia DOT will be using a design-build contract. This enables the state to select a contractor sooner than a traditional project. The state DOT plans to select the construction contractor in 2025. Road work looks to start in 2026. The new exit should open by 2029.
Featured image shows the I-75 at Bethlehem Road concept. Georgia DOT photo.
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