Ga. 17 Alternate (Talmadge Drive) is closed in both directions due to a water line failure between Stephens County Hospital and the Toccoa Water Treatment Plant.
Toccoa utility crews are working to replace a 70-year-old water line under the road and had to open cut the road to access that line, said Georgia Department of Transportation spokewoman Katie Strickland.
"We hope to be able to open one lane each direction late this evening," Strickland said.
One lane will remain closed overnight and until paving can occur.
Motorists should avoid the area until about 9 p.m.
Ga. 17 Alternate (Talmadge Drive) connects the Hollywood area of Habersham County with Toccoa.
