Augusta Prepares for Record Summer Road Construction

By Tina Terry, tterry@wagt.com

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Augusta Prepares for Record Summer Road Construction

By Tina Terry

Cars aren't the only machines driving down Bobby Jones Expressway this week. Road workers are driving saws through the concrete in an effort to widen the road.

It's one of more than 13 road projects planned for the Augusta area this summer, according to Georgia Department of Transportation engineer Scott Stephens.

"The Augusta area is very fortunate, a lot of construction funds are coming into the area," said Stephens.

But many view the news as more of a curse than a blessing.

"I think it's gonna cause a lot of problems especially when people are trying to travel," said driver Kathy Sides.

Mike Laney says construction on Fury's Ferry Road has already wreaked enough havoc on his commute.

"It takes an extra 20 minutes on my commute to work which is already on the other side of town," said Laney.

Still, he understands the necessity of the work.

He said, "We're growing. It's a good thing. If more folk gonna move to Augusta we gotta deal with it."

Transportation officials say dealing with it means taking care while driving this summer.

"Slow down, be cautious, expect changing conditions and understand you are in a work zone," said Stephens.

This is a busy summer for road construction all over Georgia. Transportation officials say they've already begun more than $378 million in work.

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