The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and contractor Vertical Earth, LLC will be working on an emergency drainage improvement project which will upgrade and replace the existing 130-year old culvert near the Farmer's Exchange building in downtown Athens. 

The project requires the closure of Oconee Street from Foundry Street to E. Broad Street for approximately 30 days, weather permitting. There will also be a brief, temporary reconfiguration of the 5-way intersection of E. Broad Street, Oconee Street, and Thomas Street for a manhole adjustment. 

The Oconee Street closure is tentatively scheduled for July 5, 2023 weather permitting. The total project completion date is September 2023 weather permitting.

All lanes (eastbound and westbound) of Oconee Street will be detoured. All lanes at Foundry Street (northbound and southbound) will be closed to through traffic. The detours are as follows:

• Traffic headed out of downtown Athens should travel west on E. Broad Street --> south on SR 15 (Milledge Avenue) --> east on the SR 10 Loop --> southeast on US 78 (Lexington Road).

• Traffic headed into downtown Athens should travel west on the SR 10 Loop --> north on SR 15 (Milledge Avenue) --> east on E. Broad Street.

Delays are anticipated. Consider alternate routes.

Exact dates may change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are cautioned to reduce their speed while traveling through work zones, stay alert, and watch for workers. Before heading out, get real-time information on work status and traffic conditions by calling 511, visiting 511ga.org, or downloading the Georgia 511 app.