The Georgia Department of Transportation plans to open one and possibly two new westbound lanes at 9 a.m. Thursday on Ga. 53/Winder Highway between Ga. 211 and Atlanta Highway.

The new lanes are part of an $25 million project to widen Ga. 53 to four lanes.

Also, new traffic signals will begin operating on Ga. 53 at Ga. 211 and Oliver Road/Strickland Road, DOT officials said Wednesday.