Georgia's Stimulus Wish List Includes Highways, Transit

In Georgia, transportation contractors have been feeling the pinch as the state DOT�s Fast Forward bonding program winds down. The state�s $3.4-billion wish list in anticipation of an economic stimulus program could brighten their outlooks somewhat. It includes more than $2.2 billion in state roadway contracts, including those for maintenance.

Transit received considerable attention from the state Dept. of Transportation when assembling the list. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority has about $1.1 billion in contracts that are good-to-go, and an additional $62 million in transit projects plus roughly $22.6 million in commuter rail contracts are included on Georgia’s overall shovel-ready list. Aviation projects total about $45.3 million.

One of the biggest single contracts on Georgia’s wish list is a $111-million mill-and-inlay project on Interstate 285 in Cobb and Fulton counties. Upgrades to Interstate 75 in numerous counties also received significant attention. Some of these wish-list projects include: a $90.4 million widening contract in Bibb County; an $87.9 million concrete rehabilitation contract in Dooly County; $84.2 million worth of maintenance in Dooly and Houston counties; and $47.5 million interchange and widening at I-75 and County Road 717 in Bibb County.

Other major contracts include a $98.9 million contract to build the Harry S. Truman Parkway in Chatham county; $60.8 million to build the Fall Line Freeway/North Gordon Bypass in Wilkinson County; and $86.7 million worth of concrete removal and reconstruction on I-16 in Laurens County.

“This is merely a preliminary list and we are still reviewing projects and looking at other considerations before a final decision is made,” says Mark McKinnon, GDOT spokesman.

Scott Judy is Deputy Editor for Regions, and editor of ENR Southeast, one of Engineering News-Record's 10 Regional publications. His roughly 27 years as a construction journalist began with an 11-year stint covering Midwest construction projects. In 2000, Judy helped launch the publication now known as ENR Southeast. He often delves into controversial aspects of the construction industry such as bankruptcies and fatal accidents, and wishes he would never have to cover another accident but suspects that he might.

Post a comment to this article

Enhancing Collaboration and Surpassing Traditional Design-Build Methods with Progressive Design-Build

Earn: 1 PDH; 1 AIA LU/Elective; 0.1 IACET CEU

Progressive Design-Build is reshaping large infrastructure projects by addressing key issues with the traditional Design-Build approach. We'll explore how PDB fosters collaboration between owners, design-builders, and design teams to develop a well-defined scope and budget, plus minimizes cost overruns and reduces liability claims.