And so it begins.

Residents traveling between Newnan and Peachtree City face an increased

challenge in their commutes this week: Dirt movers and construction workers.

DOT officials announced this week that construction is finally slated

to begin on the widening of Ga. Highway 34 in Coweta County, a project

that affects many thousands of drivers on both sides of the county line.

Bruce Albea Construction won the $8.6 million contract for the 3.9 mile

widening of the road from just east of Ga. Highway 154 and Thomas Crossroads

to Doc Fischer Road, less than a mile inside Coweta from the Fayette County

line.

Officials said the road will be widened to four lanes and features the

construction of two bridges over Shoal Creek.

Work began this week with land-clearing near Doc Fischer Road. Officials

said efforts will be made to do most of the construction during off-peak

traffic hours.

The completion date for the project is two years away: Dec. 31, 2005.