The widening of Athens Highway/U.S. 129 in East Hall looks to be a sure thing, as the Georgia Department of Transportation has awarded a contract on the $44.1 million project. The project starts at Gillsville Highway/Ga. 323 and runs to the Pendergrass Bypass in Jackson County — a 7-mile stretch that completes the four-lane connection between Gainesville and Athens. The work also includes construction of a bridge and approaches over Allen Creek, according to the DOT. Pittman Construction Co. of Conyers has been awarded the project, which has been set for an April 2020 completion.