More than nine miles of roadways in Chattooga County are slated for repaving this summer, Commissioner Andy Allen announced. The project, funded in large part by a Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) from the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT), aims to significantly improve transportation infrastructure and enhance public safety throughout the rural community. The total cost of the paving project is estimated at $879,000.

Commissioner Allen highlighted the importance of the funding, stating in a letter to the DOT, “As a Tier One distressed county, Chattooga faces considerable challenges in funding essential infrastructure projects. Our rural network is a critical lifeline not only for local residents commuting to work, school and medical appointments, but also for supporting economic development and ensuring the safety of visitors traveling our region.” The project encompasses 19 roads spanning various locations within the county. Specifically, planned improvements include:

Penn Bridge Road to the bridge at Alexander Road (0.75 miles)

Nellie Lane (0.46 miles)

Tasha Lane (0.38 miles)

Tinney Road (0.35 miles)

Saddle Club Road (Trion-Teloga Road side) (0.02 miles)

Cummings Road to the bridge (0.02 miles)

Stallion Drive (0.36 miles)

Colt Lane (0.13 miles)

Gilkerson Road (0.26 miles)

Mayo Road (0.31 miles)

South Airport Road (0.17 miles)

North Airport Road (0.20 miles)

Airport Road (1.4 miles)

Dogwood Drive (off Lyerly Dam Road) (0.56 miles)

Dupree Road (0.79 miles)

Barnesville Road (0.77 miles)

Long Branch Road (0.40 miles)

Spring Hill Road (0.26 miles)

Portion of Palm Tree Road (off Spring Hill Road) (0.15 miles)

Poplar Springs Road (1.6 miles)

The repaving is expected to improve access and safety for thousands of residents and visitors. Work is scheduled to begin later this summer and continue into the fall, contingent upon weather conditions and contractor schedules. Commissioner Allen emphasized that despite ongoing budgetary constraints, strategic partnerships with the state are proving vital for crucial infrastructure improvements within Chattooga County.