Aerial photo of partially-constructed WPC near Jodeco Road (staff photo)
A portion of the future four-lane roadway is visible from Jodeco Road. (staff photo)

On Tuesday, August 4, the Henry County Board of Commissioners approved a right-of-way agreement with Georgia DOT for the western parallel connector. The WPC is a planned four-lane roadway between Hudson Bridge Road and Jonesboro Road.

The idea for the new roadway originated in Henry County’s Livable Centers Initiative study completed in 2012. GDOT committed state funding for the project in 2015.

The right-of-way agreement states that Henry County will acquire all necessary right-of-way for the project, with up to six million dollars reimbursable by Georgia DOT. All costs over and above six million will be funded through the county’s fund balance. The cost to Henry County is estimated at $4.67 million.

The project will require right-of-way from twenty-two (22) parcels. No displacements are anticipated.

The board of commissioners voted 4-1 to adopt the agreement. Commissioner Wilson voted in opposition after previously expressing concern about the potential open-ended expense to the county.

The state has construction funding budgeted for the project in FY 2023. Construction costs are estimated at $31.3 million.