Road construction is a way of life in Hall County, and it’s about to become more widespread.

Officials with the Georgia Department of Transportation, Gainesville-Hall County Metropolitan Planning Organization and city of Gainesville described numerous projects during the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Transportation Forum Thursday, March 7.

“It’s truly an economic development phrase: Traffic is a sign of success for a community,” Gainesville City Manager Bryan Lackey said to a crowd at University of North Georgia’s Gainesville campus.

Flashing a picture on the screen above him of traffic backed up on Jesse Jewell Parkway, he added, “Obviously, we’re very successful.”

According to officials, here’s a look at projects that are on the horizon:

Ga. 53 bridge replacement

The westbound bridge on Dawsonville Highway/Ga. 53 over the Chattahoochee River is slated for replacement, with the project possibly being awarded to a contractor in July 2019. Cost: $26 million.

I-985 maintenance

A new resurfacing and restriping project is planned for the entire length of Interstate 985, from Interstate 85 in Gwinnett to Exit 24 in Gainesville. The project, which would include new reflectors, would start later this month or in April. Cost: $1.7 million.

I-985 widening

The interstate is set to be expanded from four lanes to six lanes between I-85 and Mundy Mill Road in Oakwood. Construction could take place in 2022-23. Engineering is underway. Estimated cost: $87 million.

Major intersection improvement

Turn lanes will be added at Queen City Parkway/Ga. 60 and Ga. 369 in Gainesville, which did the preliminary engineering. The project could be awarded this summer. Cost: $3.6 million.

Howard Road fixes

A possible interchange at Ga. 365 and roundabout at the Lanier Technical College entrance. The project is in early phases, but the project could be built in 2022-23. Estimated cost: $14.5 million.

Spout Springs Road widening

Right of way acquisition is about to wrap up on one of Hall’s most eagerly awaited projects, with the project being awarded to a contractor later this year. The road would be widened in its first phase from Hog Mountain Road to Union Circle at a cost of $32 million. Phase two, from Union Circle to the Hall County line, hasn’t been funded.

New South Hall roundabout

A roundabout is planned at Martin Road and JM Turk Road, near the planned Exit 14 interchange off I-985. Work is expected to take place this summer while school is out of session. Cost: $640,000.

Sardis Road Connector

One of Hall’s oldest projects could be coming to fruition early in the next decade. The nearly $80 million project calls for a four-lane road between Dawsonville Highway/Ga. 53 in West Hall and Thompson Bridge Road/Ga. 60 in North Hall.