There is a light at the end of the tunnel for traffic issues on Ga. Highway 92 North at the intersection with Westbridge Road and Veterans Parkway. With all required criteria now met, the Fayette County Commission on Dec. 12 unanimously approved a completely reconfigured intersection and traffic signal expected to be in place by late spring.

Both motorists and commissioners have long wanted improvements at the intersection. The initial idea of installing a roundabout when the north leg of Veterans Parkway opened last year ran into snags, prompting studies required by the Ga. Department of Transportation to demonstrate that a traffic signal could be effectively utilized at the intersection.

The wait came to an end on Dec. 12. The project received six bids, ranging from a low bid by Southeastern Site Development of $658,038 to a high bid by JHC Corporation of $831,618. Commissioners awarded the bid to Southeastern.

Public Works Director Phil Mallon said the target date for completion of the new intersection is expected in late spring.

Mallon provided a breakdown of the components of the large project.

The bulk of the project includes: installation of a dedicated left turn lanes and a slip lane for right turns on Westbridge Road and Veterans Parkway; installation of pedestrian crossings and refuge islands; modifications to storm pipes and the drainage system; installation of the traffic signal; utility coordination and relocation; and installation of new signs and striping for the reconfigured intersection.