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Highway 81 bridge linking Newton, Henry counties open to traffic
Hwy. 81 open
The Georgia Hwy. 81 bridge over the South River opened to traffic today, Dec. 17, at noon, a GDOT spokesman said. (Special | Hunter Pachman, Wright Brothers Construction Company Inc.)

COVINGTON, Ga. — The Georgia Hwy. 81 bridge over the South River opened to traffic today, Dec. 17, at noon, a GDOT spokesman said. 

"Special thanks to Wright Brothers (Construction Co.) and all involved for achieving substantial completion ahead of schedule," said spokesman Kyle Collins.

The project began in fall 2020 to replace a bridge built in 1948. Vehicles had been detoured for 34 miles on roads around the site since then.  

The total length of the project is approximately 0.42 miles.

Hwy. 81 bridge open - aerial shot
The Georgia Hwy. 81 bridge over the South River opened to traffic today, Dec. 17, at noon, a GDOT spokesman said. (Special | Hunter Pachman, Wright Brothers Construction Company Inc.)