The Georgia Department of Transportation’s project to replace the bridge along Freemanville Road spanning Cooper Sandy Creek has begun.

In a sense, this effort has been in the works for years. GDOT routinely inspects bridges statewide and administers a funding program to support local bridge replacements. This Freemanville bridge, which is south of Providence Road and north of Landrum Road, was identified some time ago to be in need of replacement.

Ultimately, the new bridge will have one 11-foot lane in both directions as well as shoulders and space for a future multiuse path on one side. Once crews begin removing the existing bridge, there will be a significant detour stretching over several months. Be on the lookout for signage in that area ahead of the detour’s start.

What’s happening this fall is a precursor to that. Crews are clearing the roughly half-mile work zone of trees, roots, and stumps, in addition to relocating utilities so that the next steps can happen. As they do, people can expect crews in the roads – and perhaps occasional related traffic delays – between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.

In addition to physical signage, the City will share information when this project moves into its next phase, including details on the eventual detour. Follow the City's Facebook page, or sign-up for Road Closure text alerts (www.miltonga.gov/Notifications) or emails (www.miltonga.gov/Emails) to get that kind of information.