The State Road and Tollway Authority has awarded approximately $18.1 million in funding for 19 transportation infrastructure projects across the state through the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank.
Included is $640,000 for a roundabout at JMTurk and Martin roads in South Hall and $375,000 for turn lane improvements on Prior Street in Gainesville. Also, two million dollars for the widening of Spalding Drive in Gwinnett County and $1.5 million for an extension of Ronald Reagan Boulevard in Forsyth County.
“Here in the No. 1 state for business, we continue to make strides to keep up with and plan for Georgia’s future growth,” said Gov. Nathan Deal in announcing the project awards. “The GTIB program provides valuable resources to improve mobility in local communities while also strengthening Georgia’s transportation network. By awarding grants and loans to local governments and community improvement districts, GTIB helps to maintain our roads and bridges, improve congestion and accommodate the movement of freight traffic. The innovative transportation initiatives receiving these funds will benefit local communities for years to come and reinforce Georgia’s reputation as a top destination for businesses and job creators.”
Here is more information about the South Hall, Gainesville, Forsyth County and Gwinnett County projects:
*City of Gainesville
Prior Street Turn Lane Improvements
This project will add northbound and southbound left turn lanes on Prior Street at its intersection with State Route (SR) 369 along with traffic signal improvements and a sidewalk along one side of the roadway. This project will relieve traffic congestion and improve efficiency at the intersection.
GTIB Grant Award: $375,000
*Forsyth County
Ronald Reagan Boulevard Extension
This project will construct a new road, two lanes in each direction, connecting Ronald Reagan Parkway between McFarland Parkway and Majors Road for a distance of just over three miles. This will create an eastern alternative to SR 400 from McGinnis Ferry to SR 20.
GTIB Grant Award: $1,500,000
*Gwinnett County
Spalding Drive at Holcomb Bridge to Winters Chapel Road
This project will widen Spalding Drive from 2-3 lanes to 4-5 lanes from Winters Chapel to just west of the Holcomb Bridge intersection. Two lanes will be provided in each direction and turn lanes will be added and/or extended at intersections. An existing bridge will be replaced, signals will be modified and sidewalks will be added along both sides. The project will improve congestion and safety along Spalding Drive.
GTIB Grant Award: $2,000,000
*Hall County
JM Turk and Martin Road Roundabout
This project will install a single lane roundabout at the intersection of JM Turk and Martin Road. The project will improve safety by addressing vertical and horizontal curvature issues, slowing traffic and mitigating truck traffic, which is likely to increase with the addition of a new exit off I-985.
GTIB Grant Award: $640,000