Construction could start in 2027
The long-anticipated Albany Avenue Overpass project took a significant step forward with engineers Brad Robinson and Daniel Taylor of Practical Design Partners presenting a comprehensive update to the Ware County Commission.
Speaking at the July 13 work session, the engineering team walked commissioners through 18 months of progress, recent developments with CSX Transportation, environmental findings, right-of-way needs, and the emerging timeline for construction.
Robinson opened by revisiting the project’s evolution since early 2024. After submitting preliminary plans, the firm received direction from County Manager James Shubert to realign Darlington Avenue and extend Columbus Street, shifting the roadway to follow the CSX rightof-way more closely. “Once we received the direction, we went back out and updated all of our environmental and survey database toward that additional area,” Robinson explained.
Updated plans were resubmitted in November 2025, and with no county objections, the documents were forwarded to CSX in February of this year.
Although CSX usually returns comments within 30 days. Robinson noted the review took nearly four months — partly due to confusion over property ownership at the historic Albany Avenue horse-andbuggy crossing, which Ware County, not the railroad, actually owns.
He described the CSX comments as “nothing major,” focused mainly on drainage concerns and a requirement for updated rail-top surveying. Practical Design Partners is expected to complete that survey soon.
Environmental tests identify two contaminated properties A major portion of the update centered on environmental assessments tied to right-of-way acquisition.
Out of 22 properties flagged as potentially contaminated, soil testing confirmed contamination at two parcels — a tire shop and an old gas station near Darlington Avenue.
“Those two properties are contaminated,” Taylor confirmed, noting underground storage tanks remain in place.
Before the county can acquire the parcels, property owners must be notified and required to clean up the contamination.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will oversee the remediation timeline, which typically includes a 30- to 60-day response window and a 90- to 120-day cleanup period.
Commissioners discussed negotiating reduced purchase prices if owners prefer the county to handle remediation.
Right-of-Way acquisition With environmental assessments complete, Robinson said the county is “ready to move forward” with right-of-way acquisition for most parcels.
Practical Design Partners has already prepared right-of-way plans and is now generating legal descriptions for each tract.
Commissioners and county staff discussed hiring local title abstractors, appraisers and negotiators to manage the acquisition process.
Several businesses leasing property in the project area will receive ample notice — likely up to two years — before relocation becomes necessary.
Early construction possible on non-rail segments To demonstrate visible progress and improve future traffic flow, Robinson suggested the county begin construction on portions of the project not dependent on CSX approval, including:
• Darlington Avenue realignment;
• Columbus Street extension;
• Acquired structure demolition;
• Clearing trees and parking lots on county-owned parcels; Commissioners strongly favored beginning these components early.
“We want to see tractors, shovels, asphalt, concrete,” Commissioner Jon Tindall said. “It shows progress.”
Utility relocation already underway
Georgia Power has begun coordinating relocations of poles and underground utilities.
Most utilities fall within existing right-of-way, meaning relocation costs will be borne by the utility companies rather than the county.
Overpass construction could begin in 2027
Robinson estimated that if CSX approvals, geotechnical work and bridge design proceed without major delays, the project could be ready for letting by July 2027.
“We’re really running into concurrent critical paths right now,” Robinson said, noting that right-ofway acquisition and railroad approval must advance together.
Commissioners emphasized the importance of keeping the project moving, especially given Ware’s rail congestion issues.
Recent GDOT (Georgia Department of Transportation) studies identified five of Georgia’s 25 worst rail crossings are in Ware County, positioning the county favorably for federal funding through new gradeseparation programs.
A transformational project for Waycross
Commissioners closed the discussion by thanking Robinson and Taylor for their work and reaffirming the significance of the overpass for public safety, traffic flow, and longterm economic development.
“Projects like this should have been going on for the last 35 or 40 years,” Tindall said. “This is going to be a big project for Waycross, and we’re thrilled to see it moving.”
As environmental cleanup, rightof- way acquisition and CSX coordination continue, Ware residents can expect to see early construction activity on the north side of the project and visible signs the long-awaited overpass is nearing reality.
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