PEARSON, Ga. (WALB) – A major detour for US 221/State Route 31 non-local traffic in Atkinson County will begin Sunday, May 25, as the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) starts work to replace two deteriorating culverts south of Pearson.

The culverts, located at Hog Creek and a nearby tributary, were originally constructed in 1940 and have been deemed structurally outdated and below current vehicle load standards. In response, GDOT has contracted The Scruggs Company to carry out a replacement project expected to be completed in early 2026.

According to the GDOT release, during the project, non-local traffic will be detoured via State Route 37, US 84/State Route 38/Valdosta Highway/West Dame Avenue, and US 441/Pearson Highway.

One of the culverts, located at Hog Creek, will be replaced with a modern bridge structure featuring two 12-foot lanes and 10-foot shoulders on both sides. The tributary culvert will be rebuilt as a new culvert. The total cost of construction is approximately $5 million.

Local traffic will still have access to the area during construction.

GDOT encourages drivers to plan alternate routes and exercise caution in work zones.

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