LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — A construction contract has been awarded to replace a Lowndes County bridge built in 1928, the Georgia Department of Transportation said in a release.

A $5.8 million contract was awarded to the lowest qualified bidder, Griffin Grading & Concrete LLC of Cordele, to replace the Old Quitman Road bridge, according to GDOT. The bridge is located over CSX railroad tracks and is about six miles west of Valdosta.

While no start date has been announced, GDOT said construction is scheduled for completion in early spring 2027.

“I am happy to see this long-awaited project being awarded today,” Tim Golden, a member of the State Transportation Board from the 8th Congressional District, said. “This will be a much improved and safer bridge once completed.”

GDOT recommended a replacement due to a number of issues, including deteriorating concrete that left rebar exposed in some locations, the release said. The 97-year-old bridge was “not designated for heavier vehicles in use today. Lowndes County Fire and Rescue and school bus transportation vehicles were too heavy to travel over the bridge before the county closed it,” GDOT said.

The new bridge, at about 140 feet, will be slightly longer than the current bridge. Additionally, it will have wider 11-foot lanes and three-foot shoulders, according to the release.

GDOT said traffic will continue to detour using parts of Old Quitman Road, Ousley Road and U.S. 84 until construction is complete.

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