Design-Build Teams Announced for New I-75 Bethlehem Road Interchange and SR 42 at Norfolk Southern Bridge Replacement Projects
LOCUST GROVE, GA - The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) recently selected Design-Build (DB) teams for two transportation projects in Henry County: I-75 at Bethlehem Road Interchange and State Route (SR) 42 at Norfolk Southern (NS) Bridge Replacement. This $180 million combined construction investment features two closely located projects planned to improve safety and provide access relief to accommodate existing and future developments in the area.
The I-75 at Bethlehem Road Interchange project was recently awarded to a joint venture between C.W. Matthews Contracting Co., Inc. & E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc., and ICE, LLC for $154,800,000. Georgia DOT used a best value procurement method for this Design-Build project, which evaluates both price and technical proposals. Two proposer teams were evaluated and bid opening occurred on November 12, 2025.
E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc./BCC Engineering DBA Heath & Lineback was named the apparent successful proposer for SR 42 at Norfolk Southern Bridge Replacement and was awarded the contract for $24,472,508. Georgia DOT used a two-phase, low bid procurement selection method for the Design-Build project. Proposals were received from three proposers, which were opened on October 24, 2025.
"Henry County's rapid growth demands transportation solutions that can be delivered quickly and effectively," Georgia DOT P3 Pre-Let Project Manager, Rick O'Hara, said. "Through the Design-Build model, we can fast-track these projects, improve coordination, and reduce overall costs-advantages that directly translate into safer intersections, better traffic flow, and long-lasting benefits for the communities along this corridor."
The I-75 at Bethlehem Road Interchange project will construct a new location interchange along I-75 in Henry County at County Road (CR) 312/Bethlehem Road between Bill Gardner Parkway and SR 155. The new interchange project includes realigning and widening Bethlehem Road to four lanes along the project corridor and constructing four, new roundabouts.
Each of the proposed roundabouts are designed for both passenger vehicle and truck traffic. These designs incorporate specialized features such as concrete truck aprons engineered to support the wheel tracking of long or oversized vehicles, allowing them to navigate the roundabouts more effectively.
As part of the project, new bridges over I-75 and Bethlehem Bottoms River will also be constructed. Providing access to and from Bethlehem Road will enhance connectivity in the area, improve travel operations, and support existing and future economic growth in the corridor. Final design is expected to start in Q1 2026. Construction of the project is expected in late 2026 with substantial completion anticipated in late 2029.
The SR 42 at Norfolk Southern Bridge Replacement project will replace the current, aging bridge with two, 12-foot travel lanes and two-foot shoulders and include a shared-use path to allow for pedestrian and bicycle travel across the new bridge. Traffic is expected to be maintained on the existing bridge throughout construction, and no off-site detour is required. This bridge replacement demonstrates Georgia's commitment to modernize bridges statewide.
Final design is expected to start in Q1 2026. Construction of the project is expected in late 2026 with substantial completion anticipated in late 2028.
"These projects represent a shared vision for a safer and more connected Henry County, and Georgia DOT is excited to continue working with our industry partners to bring that vision to life," Georgia DOT P3 Pre-Let Project Manager, Porshia Hayden, PMP, said. "Ongoing collaboration with local leaders and community stakeholders remains a cornerstone of our approach, so that every improvement aligns with the needs and priorities of those who live and work here."
More project details for I-75 at Bethlehem Road Interchange can be found at https://i75-bethlehemrd-gdot.hub.arcgis.com/.
Project information for SR 42 at Norfolk Southern Bridge Replacement Project can be found at https://sr42norfolksouthernbridgereplacement-gdot.hub.arcgis.com/.
Further information about Georgia DOT's Design-Build projects can be accessed at http://www.dot.ga.gov/PS/Innovative/DesignBuild.
Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs, and maintains Georgia's state and federal highways. We're involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike, and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability, and mobility. The department's vision is to boost Georgia's competitiveness through leadership in transportation. Visit www.dot.ga.gov. Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/GeorgiaDOT) and X ( http://twitter.com/gadeptoftrans).
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