GDOT to reevaluate U.S. 76 turning lane

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The addition of a turning lane on U.S. 76 was discussed between Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw and Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT)  Engineer Russell McMurry in Atlanta Aug. 28. Georgia State Senator John Wilkinson accompanied Bradshaw to the meeting. Bradshaw told FetchYourNews that McMurry was highly receptive to the community’s safety concerns, connecting the commissioner with DOT District One Engineer Brandon Kirby.

Kirby is expected to conduct additional studies on Towns County’s main highway in order to begin constructing a blueprint to install a turning lane on the dangerous roadway. Kirby recently replaced now-retired District One Engineer Brent Cook. The district engineer oversees the DOT’s programs in 21 counties in northeast Georgia, aiming to build partnerships with local and state lawmakers, chambers of commerce, business leaders, and the public in the region.

“I feel good about our conversation,” Bradshaw said. “I made it clear that studies should not be done during the winter months when our population drops. It was explained, however, that it will likely take many years for DOT to complete the project.”

The vicinity of Papa’s Pizza, west of Hiawassee, has been the site of community concern for many years, and Bradshaw has diligently pursued the matter since his election to office in 2017. Bradshaw was additionally scheduled to meet with Governor Brain Kemp while visiting Atlanta, a meeting that was postponed until Sept. 25 due to Governor Kemp’s attendance at a funeral.