Q: On I-85 between Atlanta and LaGrange, there is road construction both east and west for approximately 25 miles. Traffic is horrendous. In traveling in each direction, you might count a total of 20

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Q: On I-85 between Atlanta and LaGrange, there is road construction both east and west for approximately 25 miles. Traffic is horrendous. In traveling in each direction, you might count a total of 20 or 25 construction workers on the westbound portion with a similar number on the east. When was construction initiated, when is the scheduled completion date and what is the budgeted cost? — William Head,
Gainesville

A: This area consists of three projects that join together for the entire length of Coweta County, said Kimberly Larson, a communications officer for the Georgia Department of Transportation. Beginning in Meriwether County at Forrest Road and continuing to Ga. 34 (Exit 47), construction began on Jan. 3, 2007, at a cost of $218 million. Construction on the second project, which begins at Ga. 34 (Exit 47) and extends to the Coweta/Fulton County line, began on Dec. 2, 2006, at a cost of $107 million. Construction on the third project, which begins at the Fulton County line and extends to Ga. 74 (Exit 61), began on Jan. 26, 2007, at a cost of $51 million. All projects have an estimated completion date of Dec. 31. Larson said some motorists have been concerned that lane closures are in place and workers are not present, but some of this work is completed during night/overnight hours to lessen the impact to travelers.

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