New Concept for Bethlehem Road Exit has Four Roundabouts

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.

Residents can submit comments about the project until April 20. 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

Residents can now submit their feedback about the project. Georgia DOT is accepting public comments through April 20. To submit your comments, visit the link below. When there, one can view more info about the new exit. To provide feedback, click the three bars in the top-right corner and select ”Public Comment.”

For anyone with questions and would like to speak with state DOT staff, there will be an online meeting on Thursday, April 13. The virtual meeting will happen from 4 pm to 6 pm. A link to the meeting will be shared on the day of the event by Georgia DOT.

MHF News encourages everyone to fill out the state comment card. The comment form allows residents to say whether they support or oppose the project. Those who fill out the survey will also receive a copy of the state’s response. Georgia DOT shares this a few months after the comments close.

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 pledged over $100 million dollars in 2021 to build the project.

Georgia DOT plans to use a design-build contract. This lets the state 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 could be open by 2029.

Featured image shows the I-75 at Bethlehem Road concept. Georgia DOT photo.