(Helen) – Maintenance and construction crews with the Georgia DOT will begin extending the culvert underneath State Route 17/75 (SR 17/75) next week.
In order to get this repair work complete, single lane closures will occur near Andrews Cove Campground between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. This work will be preformed in stages over the next three months, and drivers need to be aware that signage and flagging operators will be present in advance of the lane closures along the route.
This project will initially remove the historical stones from the arches of the culvert. After construction they’ll be put back, according to a press release from the state transportation department.
“Georgia DOT has worked closely with department historians to ensure we are removing the stones properly to preserve history,” the release states.
The project will also add a 20 foot shoulder, 10 feet of the shoulder will be paved.
“Repairing and improving these structures is vital at this time as they have never been replaced. Once reconstructed, maintaining the new wider shoulder and longer culverts will be easier,” GDOT says. “This will also make driving through this curve safer for drivers.”
