ATLANTA – State Representative Lauren Daniel (R-Locust Grove) today announced that the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has approved approximately $2.7 million to add an auxiliary lane between Bill Gardner Parkway and Market Place Boulevard on Highway 42. Rep. Daniel worked with Governor Kemp’s office and GDOT officials to secure the funding to ease traffic congestion along this route in Locust Grove.
“I am proud to announce this much needed funding coming back to District 117,” said Rep. Daniel. “I want to also acknowledge the efforts of Mayor Price, the council and, most importantly, GDOT Commissioner McMurray for working with me to alleviate the traffic felt in southern Henry County. I know that progress sometimes feels like it happens slowly, but I am committed to solving this issue, and I will continue to work to gain adequate funding for every state highway in the district I represent.”
GDOT approved a request by the City of Locust Grove to assist in funding the project to add a lane to State Highway 42 between Bill Gardner and Market Place Boulevard from the States Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant (LMIG) program. GDOT will fund up to 70 percent of the project cost or up to $2,780,000, whichever is less. This amount will be combined with the city’s funding allocation from SPLOST V and T-SPLOST and assist the city with construction costs rising 40 percent or more over original estimates. With this funding, the city seeks to provide dual, left turning lanes from Eastbound Bill Gardner Parkway to Northbound Highway 42 with an additional travel lane ending at Market Place Boulevard.
GDOT’s LMIG program provides funds to local governments to perform improvements to their roadway network each year. The LMIG program is funded by a percentage of the state motor fuel tax. The LMIG program seeks to allow local governments greater flexibility and quicker project delivery.
Representative Lauren Daniel represents the citizens of District 117, which includes portions of Henry and Spalding counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as the Secretary of the Education and State Planning & Community Affairs committees. She also serves on the Transportation Committee.