Three construction projects in northeast Georgia received awards at the 2004 Georgia Quality Initiative Conference.

The 7.6-mi. resurfacing project on the Route 10 Loop in Clarke County earned the state’s Smoothness Award for Asphaltic Concrete Open Paving.

“Smoothness is a roadway characteristic measured by a laser mounted on the front of a vehicle,” said District Engineer Todd Long. “Smoothness is extremely important because the smoothness denotes a level and compact substructure that will last and offers the motorist a smooth ride, with no bumps or cracks. A high smoothness rating means the road will last longer with less maintenance giving motorists a better ride without the cost and inconvenience of maintenance.”

E.R. Snell Contractors Inc. was the contractor for this project. Lorenzo Brown was the project manager for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).

The 2.28-mi. long Social Circle Bypass in Walton County earned the Smoothness Award for Asphalt in New Construction.

GDOT Project Manager Chris Dills worked with contractor Pittman Construction Company on this project.

Lastly, the construction of the U.S 76/State Route 2 bridge over the Hiawassee River in Towns County earned the award for Best Bridge Deck Steel Cover.

Long said the cover, “eliminates the rusting of the reinforcing steel and adds to the overall structural integrity of the bridge, allowing GDOT to save time and labor because of the decreased maintenance required on the bridge.”

Project Manager Alan Colwell worked with Sunbelt Structures, the contractor, on this project. CEG