The Kangaroo, located off the I-75, Red Bud Road, exit 315, was closed in preparation for the widening and addition of sidewalks. The Kangaroo across the street was also closed and torn down to make way for the project.
The changing landscape and environment off of the exit is part of a state transportation improvement program by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).
“It includes the reconstruction of the I-75 and State Route 156, Red Bud Road Interchange, in Gordon County,” Mohamed Arafa, a GDOT spokesperson, said.
The reconstruction is projected to cost $25,616,752, according to a list of state transportation improvement programs. There is a projected $23,055,077 of funding coming from the federal government and $2,561,675 from the state.
“The City is responsible for all utility relocations (that apply) of city water, sewer, electric and fiber,” City Administrator Eddie Peterson said.
The reconstruction is a three-phase project, and is currently in the preliminary engineering phase. The projected completion date is 2016.
Total length of the project is 1.92 miles, and according to Arafa will begins on the west side of I-75 just west of the intersection of Curtis Parkway and Warrior Path, and extends east crossing underneath I-75 to just east of the intersection of State Route 156 with Newtown Church Road and Harmony Church Road.
“State Route 156 will be widened to provide two through lanes eastbound and two through lanes westbound with a 14 ft. flush median. Left turn lanes will be provided eastbound and westbound on State Route 156 for access to the I-75 entrance ramps,” Arafa said. “Sidewalks will be constructed on both sides of State Route 156 through the limits of the project. Additionally, there will be a Conference Drive Extension to Harmony Church Road.”
With State Route 156 being stretched to four lanes the I-75 bridge will have to be replaced with a bridge long enough to span the proposed widening, according to Arafa. The project will also include the realignment and reconstruction of all four of the I-75 Interchange ramps.
The Kangaroo that was torn down, and the building across the street that is closed were needed for the project’s right of way, and were acquired and certified before the project’s construction phase could begin, according to Arafa. He went on to say, “Acquisition of this project’s right of way has been completed.”
Graves Motel tear down included, too?
"The changing landscape and environment off of the exit....". What?? I've lived here 15 years and other than a grocery store opening and a hotel closing it looks exactly the same. This is ridiculous. It doesn't see that much traffic and I don't think I've EVER seen anyone walking because there are no residences nearby. So tell me again why we need two more lanes and sidewalks? It's such a waste. Seems like a case of doing something just for the sake of doing something. No real logic behind it. If I'm out of line here, please, someone set me straight with some information about the end game of this whole thing!