GDOT puts 441 on backburner

Last time we checked in with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) regarding their plans to widen HWY 441, Katie Strickland, Communications Officer for District One DOT, told WRBN/WGHC News that they are currently acquiring Right of Way with a Contract award Date expected in April 2021.

That was nearly five months ago, and according to the latest update, not much has changed.

It’s been nearly 30 years since the original plans to widen HWY 441 were revealed by the GDOT and officials now say there has been yet another delay.

According to Bryan Lott, Project Manager, due to a delayed ROW Authorization of funds, the removal of the median in Dillard, and some design changes which were requested at the last Field Plan Review, the project is now behind schedule by 18-24 months.

The project requires the purchase of 230+ parcels, 2 of which are post office facilities (federal property), and one from the Georgia Department of Agriculture. These parcels require an extended amount of time to acquire due to the federal process (uniform code) according to Lott.

“The Awarding Date was shifted due to a redesign for the addition of a center turn lane through Dillard,” Strickland said. “This is why public involvement is such a vital aspect in our GDOT projects, the input from local community members initiated these changes.”

The project will run from the five-lane section located at the northern limits of the City of Clayton northward to the five-lane section just north of the North Carolina State line for a distance of approximately 7.75 miles. The proposed widening and construction of a median would reduce congestion and enhance the traffic flow while improving the operational characteristics and safety along US 441.