Phase 3 work on U.S. 78 begins

The Georgia DOT is moving to the third phase of a $31.4 million project to widen US 78 to three lanes in both directions. Work crews were to begin work Wednesday evening removing the reversible lane system from Killian Hill to Highpoint roads. Commuters will have two lanes eastbound and three lanes westbound and a center lane along that stretch of highway during the work period, according to DOT spokeswoman Teri Pope.

The first two phases, which include US 78 from East and West Park Place to Killian Hill Road, are nearly complete with three lanes open in both directions, Pope said. The project, the largest of its kind in the state, runs between Stone Mountaiin and Snellville.

Overall, the project is running slightly ahead of schedule, Pope said, with completion scheduled for Nov. 30. Crews will continue working from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. weekdays and from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekends as weather permits.

The DOT reminds motorists to reduce speeds as they travel through the work zone.

— Patrick Fox