Contract Awarded for Augusta Interchange Project

Project part of Fast Forward Transportation Program

MARTINEZ, Ga. – Governor Sonny Perdue today announced the Georgia DOT has awarded a $192 million contract for the long-anticipated reconstruction of the Interstate 20 interchange with Interstate 520 in Augusta. Area motorists can expect to see the initial phases of construction begin within the next few weeks. The project will require approximately three years to complete.

"Major projects like this were very difficult to fund before we created the Fast Forward transportation program," Governor Perdue said. "This is a vital connection point in Augusta that needs a major overhaul."

The $191,935,137.53 contract was awarded to a joint venture of two companies: Scott Bridge Company, Inc., of Opelika, AL, and United Contractors of Great Falls, SC.

"This is a critical project for the Augusta area," 10th Congressional District State Transportation Board Member Bill Kuhlke, Jr., of Augusta, noted. "It is important for safety and mobility reasons right now and will be extremely important as well for future growth and development in Richmond, Columbia and neighboring counties. I’m pleased we’re getting it underway."

"Our interstate system in some places is 30 years old or more and that age is beginning to show," added Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Harold Linnenkohl. "This is one of a number of important interstate revitalization projects throughout Georgia that have been made possible by Governor Perdue’s innovative Fast Forward Program."

Major components of the project will include a widening of I-20 from Wheeler Road to Belair Road, the construction of new flyover ramps from WB I-20 to EB I-520 and from WB I-520 to WB I-20, a system of collector/distributor lanes along both interstates to facilitate entering and exiting, a reconstruction of the I-520 intersection with Scott Nixon Boulevard, and an extensive system of sound barrier walls along sections of the project perimeter.

Detours and lane closures will be necessary throughout construction. Georgia DOT will implement several efforts, including traditional media, changeable message sign boards in and around the project area, and a dedicated internet web site to advise motorists of current conditions.

Further, Georgia DOT encourages the public to access the Department’s NaviGAtor travel services at its website (www.georgia-navigator.com) for detailed construction, lane closure and traffic incident information; and also to use the site to establish their own "My NaviGAtor" report for personalized, real-time traffic information. The public may also call the Department’s traffic and construction hotline toll free, 24 hours, seven days a week, at (404) 635-6800; or call *DOT on their Verizon or Cingular cellular phones to speak with a Transportation Management Center operator.