The intersection of U.S. Highway 278 and Hazelbrand Road, on the southern side of U.S. 278, will close for 30 days as Pittman Construction continues its work on the $15 million widening of the U.S. 278, Ga. Highway 142 North intersection.

A detour will be in place using Martin and Floyd streets; advance warning signs and barricades will be located at Hazelbrand intersection prior to the closure, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Pittman Construction began working on the stimulus-funded project in January 2010. This project consists of widening Ga. 142 to four lanes, from the Wendy's south past 278 to the entrance of Ingles, and widening U.S. 278 to six lanes, from Mamie's Kitchen west beyond the old Wal-Mart. Medians, curb and gutter, 5-foot sidewalks and turning lanes will be added.

The average daily traffic count for U.S. 278 near that intersection was 46,000 in 2010, and the traffic county for Ga. 142 was 31,900, according to the state.

The scheduled completion date is October 31, 2012.

Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.