COVINGTON, Ga. – Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) does not have a new completion date for the project at Henderson Mill Road and Highway 36, GDOT District Communications Specialist Kyle Collins said. The project, however, was originally scheduled to be completed by Aug. 31.

Collins said the contractor, Knight and Associates Inc., was placed in default of the contract and a surety contractor has taken over. The surety has chosen to move forward with Knight and Associates.

“The contract completion is Thursday,” Collins said. “Past that point, they get hit with additional penalties due to lack of completing contract items. Since the surety is now obligated for the financial side, they will pay those liquidated damages.

“We are not happy with this project and understand the public’s frustration with no progress.”

The project will realign Henderson Mill Road approximately 0.19 miles south of its existing intersection. Traffic signals will then be constructed at the existing intersection of Highway 36 and Flat Shoals Road/Steel Road and at the realigned Henderson Mill Road intersection.

“The existing intersection creates a ‘five-point’ environment, which is not desirable for optimal safety and operational efficiency,” Collins told The News in January. “This project will regulate currently uncontrolled access points from the adjacent properties to State Route 36, Steele Road and Flat Shoals Road and increase sight distance for drivers approaching all sides of the intersection.

“This is a busy intersection that we feel will function better with the realignment and traffic signals additions. When complete, the likelihood of accidents will be greatly reduced as this county continues growth.”