QUITMAN, Ga. — Planning has started on replacing an aging railroad bridge in Brooks County.

Detour plans will be displayed May 29 for a proposed state project to replace the bridge on South Court Street, according to a statement from the Georgia Department of Transportation.

It was built in 1938 and doesn’t meet current minimum vertical and horizontal clearances to the railroad tracks. The transportation department wants to replace the bridge with one that will have four 12-foot lanes, a raised median, gutter and sidewalk. The project would be advertised for bid in 2020, according to the statement.

A detour would be used during construction. West Crawford Street would also close periodically during construction for positioning of cranes needed to install bridge beams. 

The transportation department will display the proposed detour route from 4-6 p.m. at the Brooks County Commission office, 610 S. Highland St. There will not be a formal presentation, but the public is encouraged to drop in. Representatives will be available to answer questions.

Comments may be submitted during the open house or by June 12 using any of the following methods:

• Online at www.dot.ga.gov/PS/Public/PublicOutreach

From the menu, select the county in which the proposed project is located and click Go;

Select 5/29/18-SR 76 at CS 735 Bridge Replacement;

Click “comment” and follow the instructions.

• Mail a comment card to Eric Duff, Georgia Department of Transportation, 600 W. Peachtree St., NW, 16th Floor, Atlanta, Ga. 30308.

Project displays and plans will be available for review at the website listed above for 10 days after the open house. Hardcopies will be available at the Georgia DOT office in Moultrie at 120 Veterans Parkway North and the district office at 710 W. Second St., Tifton.

Terry Richards is senior reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times.