After 14 years, Murray County’s Spring Place bypass still in limbo

CHATSWORTH, Ga. — For more than 14 years, a road project government leaders say would boost Murray County’s economy has been moving like a salted slug.

The Spring Place bypass is proposed to route traffic off of busy Georgia Highway 225. Officials say it would be a prime location for retail business growth and would improve the safety and capacity of Highway 225 by diverting traffic off 225, a prime route to and from Interstate 75, and around the Spring Place community.

Local and state leaders said the delays have been caused by the inability to get funding from the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Steve Farrow, 9th District representative on Georgia Department of Transportation Board, said he ranks the bypass as Murray County’s No. 1 transportation priority, based on public and private feedback. But he said GDOT has set the bypass as a low priority among Northwest Georgia transportation projects.

“Because of limited transportation funding, and a high price tag for this project, the chances of obtaining funding for the full construction of the project sooner than the next five years is probably slim,” Mr. Farrow said. “However, there will probably be monies available for purchase of right of ways within the next five years.”

State Rep. Tom Dickson, R-Cohutta, and state Rep. John Meadows, R-Calhoun, have both told GDOT officials they want the department to speed up the bypass process.

Rep. Meadows said he is frustrated that GDOT doesn’t place as high a priority on the project as he does.

Murray County has already spent $1.2 million on design and study for the bypass, Sole Commissioner David Ridley said. According to Mohamed Arafa, GDOT spokesman, the total estimated cost for the project is $43 million.

Mr. Ridley said Murray county residents primarily shop in Chattanooga, Cleveland, Dalton and Ellijay, and the Spring Place Bypass could provide a retail influx. He said it’s way past time to get the project going.

“For whatever reason Murray County just has not been able to attract good retail development here, and a lot of our tax dollars are leaving our county,” Mr. Ridley said. “That particular area has good sewer and good water from Chatsworth and good water and sewer from Dalton Utilities.”