17-07-2025
GDOT's plans to replace two historic Col. Co. bridges could impact your commute on Washington Road
EVANS, Ga. (WJBF) – Two upcoming road projects could impact your commute if you're driving around Columbia County.
The Georgia Department of Transportation is planning to replace two old bridges on Washington Road.
The Little Kiokee Creek Bridge and the Kiokee Creek Bridge are two 50-year-old bridges in need of repair, but G-DOT is currently working on the best way to do that and accommodate workers and drivers.
Drivers have been using both bridges since they were built in 1971—and GDOT says it's time for a replacement.
'They're classified as scour-critical, and what that means is whenever we have a rain event, our roads weigh at the bridge little by little,' said District 2 Communications Specialist Will Volk.
To get the word out, GDOT sent letters to homeowners in the area about the project.
But the original plan, recommended by a contractor, called to shut down up to 20 miles of Washington Road for construction.
'The reason for that alternative is because it saves time—we could get both of those bridges replaced in a year, versus maybe two years if we have to do an on-site detour. It's safer for the crews too, but shutting down Washington Road for that long is unrealistic,' Volk said.
They're now looking at other options to accommodate workers and drivers, including building a temporary bridge next to the ones needing replacing.
'That has it's benefits, because then we don't have to introduce a curve into the road once it's on that permanent configuration—-you see right now that it's straight away,' said Volk.
The other option is to keep traffic on both bridges and build the new bridges right next to it.
'But, the problem with that is we'd have to introduce a curve into the road once it gets on to the permanent configuration. Right now, we're just weighing our options, and figuring out which one is better. Either way, you're going to have two bridges side by side, and traveling will stay on one of them.'
Homeowners who did not want to be on camera say it's a cause for concern that they'll be on the lookout for.
In the meantime, GDOT is now taking public feedback to take the best course of action for everyone.
'Either way, we're inconveniencing people. We just feel like it'll be better to keep traffic on Washington Road, instead of them having to go way out the way—even if that would have been quicker,' said Volk.
He reiterates while the bridges need to be replaced, they are still safe to drive on.
GDOT has yet to start construction because they need to finalize plans and buy more land if they move forward with building a temporary bridge.
They hope to start the bridge replacement in 2028 or 2029.
For more information on this project, you can find it on the Georgia Department of Transportation's website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Solve the daily Crossword
