Traffic to shift Oct. 1 on U.S. 84 bridge project
A traffic shift will take place next Wednesday, October 1, on the Satilla River Bridge on U.S. Highway 84 at the Pierce-Ware County line.
The Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the shift as construction progresses on stage two of the bridge project over the Satilla River.
“Weather permitting, beginning Wednesday, October 1, traffic on U.S. 84 will be shifted to the newly constructed northside of the Satilla River and Overflow Bridges at the Pierce/Ware County line. This traffic shift is scheduled to occur overnight to minimize the impacts to the traveling public,” said Jill Nagel, public communications officer with GDOT.
With the first new span being completed, work will now begin on tearing out and replacing the original span over the river.
During traffic shifts, drivers can expect travel delays due to lane adjustments and relocation of heavy equipment and materials. This change in traffic pattern will allow crews to begin the next phase of bridge construction.
“The public’s patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated as Georgia DOT works diligently to complete this vital infrastructure project,” said Nagel.
Motorists are strongly advised to exercise caution, allow extra travel time, obey speed limits and watch for workers in the area. Responsible driving is key to ensuring everyone's safety.
Nagel said the project is on budget and a little ahead of schedule. During the summer, the traffic shift to the new bridge was not expected to take place until November.
The contractor on the bridge project is Scott Bridge Company of Opelika, AL.
The $44.9 million replacement project is a GDOT project, but about $3 million of the total cost will come from the Transportation Investment Act regional sales tax approved by voters in 2018.
The original bridge was first constructed in 1923 but the span was overhauled and widened in 1982 when U.S. Highway 84 was four-laned. A top-stone American Legion memorial at the crown of the bridge pays homage to local war dead from World War I in 1917-1918.
The replacement project is expected to take at least two more years. Since U.S. 84 is a major east-west traffic artery, GDOT did a two-phase replacement to keep the bridge open during construction.
