Staff Writer

The expansion of Ga. 74 is right on schedule, according to Department of Transportation officials.

As part of the project, the two-lane road will be increased to four starting at Holston Drive.

The road will narrow to three lanes just beyond Knight Trail and decrease to two lanes past Trice Road.

“The finished project will help the flow of traffic,” said Kevin VanHouten, assistant area engineer. “The road will have four lanes, divided by a center turning lane. With that in place turning traffic will be out of lane traffic, which will reduce delays.”

The clearing on the project has been completed, and utility adjustments are being made.

Hill Construction is now in the process of installing erosion control devices, including a barrier wall in the area of the recreational pool, where there will be a change in the grade of the roadway.

According to D.O.T. Communications Officer Dorothy Daniel, contractors will have to remove houses from the construction area.

“There are a couple of houses that have to be moved from the construction limits,” said Daniel. “These involve proper removal and disposal of asbestos, so all requirements are being coordinated through the proper authorities.”

Contractors will soon start performing some major grading, installation of cross drain pipes, and culverts.

According to VanHouten, the sewer and water lines are 70 percent completed and electrical work should be completed within the next month.

School traffic should not be affected by construction.

“Workers are not allowed to do any activities during restricted hours that interfere with traffic,” VanHouten said.

Restricted hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“They will be working during those times, just not in the roadways,” he said.

Two temporary lanes will be built on the northside of the existing lanes. Also, two temporary bridges will be built over the creek, according to VanHouten.

The project is expected to be completed by April 30, 2007. It is estimated to cost $5.1 million.