The Expansion of Georgia Highway 20: Major Contract Awarded for Road Widening

Construction workers and machinery at work on the Highway 20 expansion project.

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News Summary

The Georgia Department of Transportation has awarded a $104 million contract to C.W. Matthews for the widening of Highway 20. This vital project, covering 6 miles from Cherokee to Forsyth County, aims to enhance traffic flow and safety. Roads will be expanded to three lanes in each direction, and innovative safety measures like Reduced Conflict U-Turns will be implemented. The project is expected to relieve congestion and improve transportation for local drivers, with completion anticipated in 2028.

The Expansion of Georgia Highway 20: Major Contract Awarded for Road Widening

In a significant boost for transportation infrastructure in the Peach State, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has awarded a $104 million contract to C.W. Matthews Contracting Co. Inc. for the widening of Georgia Highway 20. This landmark project, the largest active road construction contract in northwest Georgia, aims to improve traffic flow and enhance safety on this crucial route.

Stretching from Cherokee to Forsyth County

The project encompasses a stretch of approximately 6 miles, extending from Ga. 369 in Cherokee County to Post Road in Forsyth County. The planned improvements will see the roadway expanded to three lanes in each direction, providing much-needed relief to commuters and local drivers alike.

Current Phases Under Construction

As the project gears up, it is notable that two phases of the highway widening in Cherokee County, ranging from Interstate 575 to Union Hill Road, are nearly complete. Meanwhile, work is well underway on the Forsyth County segment, which stretches from Post Road to North Corners Parkway. This section is currently under construction, with an anticipated completion date set for the summer of 2028.

Safety Measures: The Implementation of RCUTs

A crowning feature of the new construction will be the installation of Reduced Conflict U-Turns (RCUTs) at various intersections, supplemented by raised medians along the highway. The RCUT design seeks to bolster road safety by minimizing the chances of angle and head-on collisions. This innovative layout directs side-street traffic to make right turns, subsequently allowing for U-turns rather than directly crossing the highway.

Future Phases and Ongoing Projects

Construction for the next phase of the Highway 20 project is expected to begin in the coming months and will carry a projected completion date of November 2028. GDOT District 6 Engineer Grant Waldrop emphasized that this undertaking symbolizes approximately a quarter of the entire Highway 20 expansion, underscoring its importance for local transportation.

In addition to this highway project, GDOT has initiated other safety-focused improvements across the region. A notable example is the project at the intersection of U.S. 441 and Ga. 326/Old Carnesville Road in Commerce, Jackson County. This intersection has a troubled history with severe vehicle crashes, leading to the implementation of an RCUT design to decrease conflict points. Work on this project began on March 4, 2025, and it is expected to be wrapped up by the end of July 2025, provided weather conditions cooperate.

Additional Transportation Infrastructure Updates from GDOT

Further developments in transportation infrastructure include ongoing reconstruction efforts at the U.S. 41 bridges over Ga. 293 in Bartow County, projected to finish in December 2025. The widening of Old Alabama Road from Ga. 113 to Paga Mine Road in Bartow County is also in progress, with a targeted completion date set for June 2025.

In Gordon County, GDOT is diligently reconstructing two bridges on Ga. Highway 136 over the Coosawattee River, with an expected completion by December 2025. Additionally, work on another RCUT will soon commence on Ga. 53 at Brownlee Road/Plainville Road, with completion tentatively scheduled for March 2026.

Moreover, ongoing intersection improvements at Ga. 156/Red Bud Road and U.S. 41/Wall Street, located near downtown Calhoun, are also in play, with utility relocations already underway. The completion of these improvements is anticipated by April 2026, further enhancing the flow of traffic through the area.

The expansion of Georgia Highway 20 and other GDOT projects signify a substantial investment in the state’s roadways and a commitment to improving the safety and efficiency of transportation for all Georgians. As these projects unfold, the hope is for a more connected, safer, and smoother travel experience across the region.