Three local bridges slated for replacement in State DOT STIP

The replacement of three Stephens County bridges is part of a planning document on which the Georgia Department of Transportation is seeking public comment.

The public comment period for the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2024-2027 will run from now through September 5.

The STIP is Georgia DOT’s four-year plan for transportation and capital improvement for federally funded projects statewide that fall outside metropolitan areas. Projects include highway, bridge, public transit, bike, pedestrian, railroad, and other improvements.

Stephens County projects identified in the Draft STIP include replacement of a bridge on Riverdale Road approximately 5 miles northeast of Toccoa. The project is expected to cost close to $4 million, with Right-of-Way work beginning in 2025, and completion in 2027.

Also included is the replacement of a bridge, also on Riverdale Road, this one as it crosses Toccoa Creek approximately 5.2 miles to the north of Toccoa. The project is expected to cost close to $5.76 million, with Right-of-Way work also beginning in 2025, and completion scheduled for 2027.

The third and final project listed for Stephens County in the draft STIP is also a bridge replacement, this one on Tower Road as it crosses over Eastanollee Creek approximately 1.8 miles Northeast of Avalon. The project is expected to cost close to $4.3 million, with Right-of-Way work also beginning in 2025 and completion scheduled for 2027.

For all three projects, the local financial responsibility identified in the STIP documentation will be $200,000 – $75,000 each for the two Riverdale Road projects, and $50,000 for the Tower Road project. 

To learn more about STIP projects and submit comments, visit dot.ga.gov/STIPoutreach. This website provides an opportunity to learn about the projects included in the STIP, how tax dollars will be spent, and allows the public to provide comments through an online survey. 

Visitors to the site can view projects using an interactive mapping tool.

There will also be a virtual open house session for input on the STIP. For District 1, which covers northeast Georgia, including Stephens County, the open house session will be hosted on September 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can join the virtual session from the outreach website at dot.ga.gov/STIPoutreach.   (forward slash)

To view the 338-page draft STIP, visit https://www.dot.ga.gov/systems/ProjectDocuments/STIP/FY24-27/STIP_FY24_27.pdf

To contact the GDOT District 1 office, contact (770) 532-5500 or visit 1475 Jesse Jewell Pkwy. Suite 100 in Gainesville.