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Independence Parkway phase 1 delayed to December 2027, manager says project progressing despite wetlands and utility issues
Summary
Project manager for Atlas told the Liberty County Board of Commissioners that Independence Parkway phase 1 is progressing but over budget and delayed to Dec. 2027 because of wetland foundations and utility‑location challenges; a bridge deck pour is expected mid‑August.
The county heard an update on Independence Parkway phase 1 during its Aug. 4 meeting as project staff described schedule and cost challenges.
"So project's going great…we should pour our first deck middle of August," the Atlas project manager said, while also acknowledging the scope of foundation work required building through wetlands. Commissioners pressed staff about impacts to Griffin Road and the change in local access patterns, and about whether lessons from phase 1 could be applied to a larger phase 2 that will cross more wetlands.
Project staff said utility locations and missing record drawings have been the biggest obstacles: older utility installations and retired workforce knowledge required on‑the‑ground discovery. The manager also brought final marking and signing plans and offered a digital copy for public distribution.
Chair (speaker 1) and commissioners asked about traffic impacts and school‑bus safety; staff noted a school‑bus camera program is planned. The project manager said cul‑de‑sac designs will limit through traffic and that some local roads, such as access to Carter Road, will be re‑routed during construction.
The county did not take a formal vote on the update; staff urged continued coordination with GDOT and local utilities as phase 1 progresses toward the revised completion target.
