New State Route 82 bridge set to open July 31

Crews complete work on the newly constructed bridge on Highway 82 connecting Jackson and Barrow Counties. (Georgia DOT)

The Georgia Department of Transportation plans to reopen State Route 82 between Jackson and Barrow Counties next week following the completed construction of a new bridge.

Contractors are wrapping up the last of the work on the newly-constructed bridge over the Middle Oconee River. It’s scheduled to open to traffic on Monday morning, July 31.

Construction began on October 25, 2022. Crews spent nine months replacing the original bridge which was built in 1967.

The new roadway leading up to the bridge has 12-foot lanes with 10-foot outside shoulders. The new bridge now has two 12-foot lanes (formerly 11-foot) with 8-foot (formerly 2-foot) shoulders, according to GDOT.
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“This is still considered to be an active work zone. Motorists are cautioned to reduce their speed while traveling through work zones, stay alert, and watch for workers,” says GDOT District One Communications Officer Elizabeth Johnson.