Construction has begun on the cable barrier in the median of State Route 400/Hospitality Highway.
 
Limited lane closures will occur along SR 400. Most of the work will occur without impact to drivers. “We expect any slow down to be caused to motorists watching the work. Please pay attention to your drive as the workers do their jobs in the median,” said DOT District Engineer Russell McMurry.
 
“I’m both delighted and relieved to announce these critical safety projects,” State Transportation Board Chairman Mike Evans said.  “Anytime there is an open, grassed center median on a freeway, there is a distinct risk of vehicles leaving their side of the road and striking oncoming vehicles.  We have seen the tragic consequences of these accidents too often in Georgia.   I-985 and GA 400 desperately need these improvements; moreover, I intend to push for similar projects at all applicable locations throughout the State.” 
 
Cable barrier has previously been installed on more than 90 miles of Georgia interstates and freeways in which there are open center medians.  It repeatedly has prevented cross-over accidents in which vehicles traveling in one direction become out of control, cross the median and strike vehicles traveling in the opposite direction, often head-on collisions resulting in fatalities and serious injuries.  The barrier, which utilizes woven, tensioned cables attached to steel posts, also is less expensive to both install and maintain than traditional guardrail.
    
Nationwide Fence & Supply Company, of Chesterfield, MI, will erect 22.3 miles of the barrier on I-985 between Interstate Highway 85 and U.S. Highway 129 (Jesse Jewel Parkway) at a cost of $3,856,912.60 and 13.3 miles of barrier on GA 400 between McFarland Parkway and State Route 306 (Keith Bridge Road) at a price of $2,399,157.35.
 
Crews will work on SR 400 first and then move to I-985 this summer. The completion date for cable barrier installation along both routes is September 30, 2008.
 
Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org <http://www.511ga.org> .
 
The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment.  For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site www.dot.ga.gov