Georgia Department of Transportation News Release SAFETY CONCERNS FORCE REPAIRS State Route 348 temporarily Closing in Union & White Counties For Immediate Release: January 18, 2001

GAINESVILLE - Georgia DOT District Engineer Larry Dent announces the temporary closing of State Route 348/Richard Russell Parkway in Union and White Counties.

"State Route 348 also known as Richard Russell Parkway, was closed yesterday afternoon for safety reasons," Dent explained. "This winter has been particularly hard, we have endured numerous freeze - thaw cycles and the repeated expansion of asphalt due to ice has caused the roadway to heave or break apart, causing pot holes. This is a progressive problem that will continue to get worse throughout the winter. Since we cannot lay asphalt until the temperature is over 50 degrees, we decided to close that section of SR 348 indefinitely."

The portion of State Route 348 that is closed begins at the intersection of State Route 348 with State Route 75 Alternate in White County through Hogpen Gap through Tesnatee Gap and into Union County across Wildcat Mountain. Residential traffic is allowed onto SR 348 in Union County but the roadway is barricaded at mile post 3.5 and traffic is not allowed to cross the mountain.

The Georgia DOT is currently in the process of updating the 25-year Statewide Transportation Plan. This plan includes future upgrades, improvements and additions to the local transportation plan for the 21 county area. Public meetings will be scheduled in the near future to give you a chance to review the plan and offer your input.

Contact: Teri N. Pope
District One Communications
(770)718-3924 office
(404)382-8062 pager

District One - Georgia DOT - Post Office Box 1057 - Gainesville, GA 30503
(770)718-3924 - Fax: (770)532-5542

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