DOT Announces Water Line Work Today in Martin

Water line work in the Martin area associated with the Highway 17 road construction project in Stephens County could affect water service to some areas of Martin today.

The Georgia Department of Transportation said it is working to install a new water line for the Anderson Thomas Road area of Martin this week and expects to make the new water line operational today.

According to Georgia Department of Transportation Spokesperson Teri Pope, it is normal for the DOT to allow utility companies to place their lines in DOT rights of way along roads.

Pope said, in this case, the new Highway 17 is causing the DOT to have to relocate utilities.

“Because the footprint of 17 is doubling, the right of way is doubling,” said Pope. “Where the line currently runs will be under the (new) State Route 17, so you can see why it has to be moved.”

Pope went on to say that crews will look to switch the line later today in an effort to affect as few customers as possible.

However, Pope said some Martin water customers could be affected today as the new water line is switched on.

“It will definitely affect the water pressure for city of Martin water customers,” said Pope, who added the water may have to be turned off in that area for a couple of hours.

She said the work would not start until after 9 a.m. and would end before 5 p.m., if all goes according to plan.

Pope said the DOT apologizes for any inconvenience and thanks people in advance for their understanding as this work takes place.

It is all part of the project to build a four-lane Highway from Toccoa to the Franklin-Stephens County line.

The whole road is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2016.