If you have driven through the interchange on Interstate 75 at SR 31, you likely noticed that the beams are up on the new overpass. In coming weeks you may see teams making minor adjustments, but the bridge finally looks like an actual bridge. Next up after the adjusting: deck work!
These days, tasks are primarily focused on the ramps. On the east side of the interchange, crews are still clearing out the roadside that will later contain the widened on- and off-ramps to Interstate 75. Excavator operators are quickly taking out the old culvert beside the on-ramp to Interstate 75 northbound; when they're done, new earth will be brought in to level out the whole area.
In fact, leveling will be among the important next steps scheduled for the interchange. The widened ramps are integral to the new roundabouts that will be installed at the intersections with SR 31, so it's important to make sure all work is done to the exact measurement specifications indicated in the project's design. You can see in the first photo below how much higher the new Interstate 75 southbound on-ramp is alongside the current one. Throughout the project's timeline, the contractors will be raising the entire interchange to that height so that traffic flow from and to all directions will be smooth and safe. In the meantime, you can see that asphalt has been laid on these west-side on- and off-ramps, and on the Interstate 75 southbound off-ramp workers are installing the bases for the new lights that will be going up.
At times, some tasks may require lane closures under the overpass. Most of these will occur at night for the public's convenience and safety, but Georgia DOT and TIA will send out alerts through broadcast and social media in advance. Keep your eyes open for these announcements, and #DriveAlert #ArriveAliveGA!