The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is set to launch a Request for Qualifications for the planned I-85 Widening Phase 2 Project in Jackson County, Georgia on November 11.

GDOT intends to solicit responses for design and construction services to widen I-85 from north of SR 53 to north SR 11/US 129.

The selected Design-Build Team (DB Team) will provide design and construction services necessary to widen I-85 The typical section is proposed to expand from two lanes to three lanes in each direction for approximately 6.7 miles. The proposed project would use the existing right-of-way width to accommodate the proposed typical section. Additional work on the project includes replacing one overpass bridge and six mainline bridges along I-85.

On October 23-24, an Industry Forum and Industry one-on-one meetings were conducted for the planned project. The RFQ will be launched on November 1, and the RFP will be issued to finalists - on January 17, 2020. The deadline for submission of proposals will be on April 16, 2020. The construction of the project is set to start in 2021 and the project is planned to be opened to traffic in 2023.

The project is one of 11 Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP) projects. The Program is run by Georgia DOT. The projects are implemented thgough Design-Build and Public-Private Partnerships, allowing Georgia DOT to accelerate construction schedules.