Correction: The front page and inside photos accompanying this story in the print edition are of the wrong Highway 60 bridge. This web story includes a photo of the correct bridge. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
It was built in 1949.
It was widened in 1984.
And, starting in 2027, the highly traveled bridge leading into town on Highway 60 could be completely replaced with a new one, according to documents recently filed by the Georgia Department of Transportation.
“The proposed bridge replacement project is needed, because the bridge is deteriorating,” stated State Environmental Administrator Eric Duff in a letter to local residents who provided input on the project.
This is sure to be a major undertaking which is estimated to take 24 to 30 months to complete as it runs in tandem with three other repair projects.
For those counting along on the calendar that’s the possibility of a two-and-a-half year construction project that should begin sometime in “fiscal year 2027.” During construction, the busy stretch of roadway will shift to one lane at certain times. However, there will reportedly be an effort to keep the traffic flow at two lanes as much as possible.
“Two lanes would remain open during the majority of construction,” stated Duff in his letter. “Lane closures would be restricted during peak travel hours during the day (including school bus drop-offs and pick-ups) and during fall (changing of season/leaf viewing tourism).”
Though this sounds like the makings of a traffic tangle, it likely could have been worse, as a 10.5 mile detour was briefly considered during the early planning phase.
“Through early coordination with local municipalities, a 10.5 mile mainline detour was dismissed from consideration due to potential impact on 10 school bus routes and an additional 30 minute travel time,” stated Duff.
Dahlonega City Manager Allison Martin stressed that local governing agencies have offered input that will hopefully make the process smoother.
“The City and County are advocating for the community with GDOT to consider the impacts to public safety, travel times, commuter patterns, and our local economy as they plan this project,” she said.
BRIDGING THE GAP
A GDOT inspection of the current bridge, which spans Yahoola Creek, shows several issues, including exposed and corroded rebar and the reported cracking of several edge beams.
“Further deterioration of these components will result in further reduction in the load carrying capacity,” stated the report.
The report also points to erosion problems on the south side of the bank and the fact that the bridge is two feet below FEMA’s required elevation needed to weather a once-in-a-100-year flood.
As a result, a completely new bridge will most likely be built on the east side of the existing one.
“The preferred alternative to construct the new bridge east of the existing bridge would have the least impact on existing land and would not impact the Chestatee River,” stated Duff.
The total cost has not yet been set but the GDOT has reported that a 2024 State Transportation Improvement Program Amendment has allocated federal funds for the project.
A pair of slope restoration projects will run in tandem with the bridge replacement, with repairs slated on the banks of Yahoola Creek near Bear Paw Ridge and another near Austin Way.
The City of Dahlonega has a project on tap as well as they work to replace the culvert at Golden Avenue which is often prone to flooding. This project, also slated for 2027, will require a one-and-a-half mile detour for residents on the other side of Golden Avenue. Drivers hoping to hop onto Highway 60 will need to head in the opposite direction towards Crown Mountain Drive during a construction phase that is estimated to last approximately 20 days.
“We are trying to time this with the state’s work as their final alignment of the bridge and road determines our tie-in of Golden Ave,” said Martin.
Public comments for the bridge replacement were taken into account during a month-long period last fall. The GDOT reports that they received 41 comments online with five opposed and 32 in favor. The other comments were non-committal.
Meanwhile, the project will impact a reported nine parcels of private property. This means those property owners will be approached by GDOT officials with further details about the project and about the potential for right of way acquisition.
“As the design progresses, Georgia DOT will make every effort to minimize the amount of ROW [Right of Way] impact to the greatest extent possible,” stated Duff.
Throughout the letter Duff emphasized that the project is in the early phases and revisions can still occur.
“After all ROW acquisition occurs, project design is finalized…the project would advance to construction,” stated Duff. “Any further plans or updates to plans will be disclosed as the project develops.”