The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) recently said it will begin repaving Eatonton’s main thoroughfare of North Jefferson Avenue, South Jefferson Avenue, and South Oak Street, beginning later this month on a yet-to-be-announced date.
The direction of travel for the paving was also not designated, but the project is expected to take at least until the fall to complete.
Regardless, the road beginning at Highway 441, across from the truck stop near Burger King, extends through downtown Eatonton and winds its way back to Hwy. 441, near Dairy Queen, will be resurfaced by E.R. Snell, presumably using asphalt made at its new plant in Eatonton’s industrial park on the southside.
“This project is part of GDOT’s ongoing efforts to improve roadway conditions, safety, and drivability through our downtown corridors,” a GDOT statement said.
During construction, GDOT warned that motorists and pedestrians should expect temporary lane shifts or lane closures, reduced travel speeds through work zones, flagging operations, and construction equipment near roadways, and possible delays, especially during peak travel times.
GDOT said at least one lane of traffic will remain open “whenever possible.” However, drivers should anticipate brief slowdowns and allow for extra travel time when traveling through downtown Eatonton during paving operations.
GDOT also emphasized the need to follow all posted signage and flagger instructions, and always to drive cautiously and remain alert for workers and equipment on the road.