Delays expected on interstate

Columbia County motorists should expect delays throughout July along Interstate 20 because of construction of the new Bobby Jones Expressway interchange.

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Georgia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Cissy McNure said Friday that crews soon would install concrete construction barriers along stretches of I-20 in Columbia and Richmond counties, which will close lanes at night throughout July and slow traffic in the area.

The lane closures will take place between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. at various stretches of the interstate between Belair Road and the Bobby Jones interchange, McNure said.

Both east and westbound lanes of travel will be affected by construction, she said.

During construction, motorists can expect "reduced speed limits, reduced lanes of travel (and) some congestion," McNure said, adding that fines increase for traffic offenses in construction zones.

Speed limits will be lowered to 45 mph in the construction zones, according to a DOT news release.

The sound barriers are being installed so crews can begin construction of interior travel lanes along I-20, according to the release.

McNure said crews will also be constructing sound barriers in the residential zones lining the interstate.

The $192 million overhaul of the Bobby Jones/I-20 interchange will add flyover ramps to the interchange, and will add one travel lane to I-20 between Belair Road and the Augusta Canal, officials have said.

The DOT has solicited bids for a second area of sound barriers west of Belair Road, but a contract has not been announced, McNure said.