Columbia County officials are moving forward with a significant infrastructure project aimed at widening State Route 47 Highway 221 from Appling to Harlem, Georgia. During the Board of Commissioners meeting on April 1, a motion was approved to support the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) in this endeavor, which includes a commitment of $2 million in county funds once the project receives state approval.

The project has faced some bureaucratic hurdles, as discussions revealed conflicting opinions within the DOT regarding funding eligibility. However, rather than getting bogged down in disputes, the DOT proposed a solution: if Columbia County reallocates its funding match from the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to the DOT, they will take charge of the project. This collaboration aims to expedite the scoping and preliminary engineering phases.

While the project is still in its early stages, with no definitive plans yet established, officials are optimistic. The northern starting point for the widening will be where the current four-lane road transitions to two lanes, and further studies will determine the southern terminus. The DOT anticipates that with the letter of support from the county, funding could be approved by July 1, allowing the project to move into the design phase.

Public engagement will be a key component of the project, with the DOT planning to hold public hearings to gather feedback from local stakeholders, including the Board of Education and city officials. The project is expected to take several years, with estimates suggesting that construction could begin in 7 to 10 years, depending on the completion of necessary studies and approvals.

This initiative reflects a proactive approach by Columbia County to enhance its transportation infrastructure, which is crucial for accommodating future growth and improving connectivity in the region.