Georgia DOT Wraps Up Abercorn Project; Looks Forward

Lane closures, barrels lining the street: those are sights we've all seen before. Georgia's Department of Transportation started several projects last year along Highway 204 as part of the Intersection Improvement Project.

Seven projects to be exact: Apache Avenue, Middleground Road and Science Drive, Arts Drive, Tibet Avenue, Middleground and Montgomery Cross Road, Mall Boulevard, and DeRenne Avenue.

The road work included everything from adding turning lanes to upgrading signal equipment. All of those projects are now completed or close to it.

"Construction mess," is what Ricky Shepard called parts of Abercorn Street just a few months ago when the Georgia DOT started its intersection improvements.

Ricky drives through the intersection at Tibet and Abercorn about once a month. Looking at it now, "It's a big improvement. It [looks] a lot better and easier access in and out."

Those are positive comments DOT spokeswoman Brenda Howard likes to hear. "This project is one we're proud of," says Brenda.

The Tibet/Abercorn intersection now has wide turning lanes and designated turn signals. The new crosswalk signals remain covered because workers still have to put them in the correct spots.

"The intersection looks wonderful. It makes traffic flow easier," says Brenda.

While this project and others are just about finished, new projects for 2009 are on hold. "General Assembly is in session, as most people know, and a lot of that will depend on decisions they make on what we go forward on," says Brenda.

Some projects are being reprioritized: figuring out what's necessary and what can wait. Brenda says she knows it's frustrating, but they're working hard.

"Our DOT workers are out there between those barrels and they're risking their life to make the roadway better. We just ask the motorists to be patient," says Brenda.

One big project still in the works is the completion of Truman Parkway. Workers have already started demolishing properties in preparation of construction. It is expected to begin in 2010.