COVINGTON, Ga. - Stage 2 paving up to binder level - interim riding layers before final toping at the end of the job - on the Highway 142/John R. Williams Highway reconstruction project is completed from General Mills to the end of the project, according to a statement provided by District Communication Specialist Kyle Collins Friday, Aug. 16. 

"Now crews will begin preparing the newly paved section for a traffic shift in the coming days so they can install the median and finish drainage structures," he said. "This will place drivers in the outside lane heading in each direction."

Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining wall construction will continue at the bridge for up to eight weeks. Once the walls are complete, then the remainder of the bridge over the CSX railroad (in photo) can be built. 

Other work remaining is permanent asphalt application on the airport side of Alcovy Road and splitting traffic on Alcovy Road near the fire station to rebuild where the current traffic staging area sits. Once crews complete these items and the bridge, all they will have left to do is final cleanup, grading and grassing throughout the project.

The final step before the project is “open to traffic” is topping asphalt across the project area.

The prime contractor, Southeastern Site Development, Inc., officially began construction work in December 2016. This $14.1 million contract includes 1.6 miles of widening and reconstruction for additional lanes on SR 142 beginning at Interstate 20 and extending to Alcovy Road. The bridge over the CSX railroad is also being replaced.

Based on weather and utility relocation delays, GDOT expects the job open to traffic by March 2020.