The Georgia Department of Transportation has rolled out the heavy machinery on Salem Road/SR 162, marking the commencement of a major road widening project spanning from just south of Brown Bridge Road in Newton County, extending into Rockdale County to Flat Shoals Road. The aim is to tackle the notorious traffic delays and prep the route for an expected rise in both residential and, commercial traffic. Also, a cheerier forecast predicts a drop in vehicular accidents thanks to the upcoming overhaul.
With its hefty $85 million tag, the development is more than just a few extra strips of asphalt. Motorists can anticipate lanes doubling up from two to four in either direction, and even bulking up to six lanes as they approach the I-20 interchange. For the pedestrians, a five-foot sidewalk is set to emerge on the east side, while a 10-foot shared path on the west side promises room for cyclists and walkers alike to coexist, according to details from Newton County's announcement.
The timeline for this ambitious project stretches well into the year 2028. Given that setbacks from weather or unexpected on-site conditions don't throw a wrench in the works, the constant hum of construction should be an ambient feature through the summer of that year. Community members are buckling up for a long haul of development that promises to streamline their daily commutes once complete, but not without bracing for the inevitable slowdowns and disruptions that come with any significant infrastructure project.
