Four projects, including the widening of I-985 between the I-85 interchange and Mundy Mill Road, have been added to the long-range plans of the Gainesville-Hall Metropolitan Planning Organization (GHMPO).
Also added at Tuesday's GHMPO Policy Committee Meeting were the:
- Widening of Winder Highway/Ga. 211 between Ga. 124 and Friendship Road/Ga. 347
- Replacement of the bridge along Thompson Bridge Road at the Chattahoochee River
- Construction of a railroad crossing on Tumbling Creek Road
Transportation planners approved $2.65 million for pre-engineering work for the I-985 widening, which would explore the options available for widening the roadway.
The funding comes from House Bill 170, the transportation funding bill passed in 2015.
In 2018-19, engineers will determine details such as how far the widening project will extend and how many lanes will be added, said Sam Baker, senior planner, GHMPO.
No definitive date has been set for the widening to be completed.
The other projects come with a price tag of $18 million, most of which would come from House Bill 170. The only local funds that would be used are the $3.86 million required for right-of-way acquisition and construction costs associated with the Tumbling Creek project.
GHMPO members approved the addition of the projects to the long-term plans unanimously.
