Effingham County motorists finally have a chance to roll down the first phase of the Old Augusta Road project.
The road is open today, after state Department of Transportation officials erect permanent barriers on the south end of the curve approaching Highway 21.
The first phase of Old Augusta stretches from Highway 21 to Chimney Road. Phase 2 is expected to continue the improvements from Chimney Road to Fort Howard Road.
Bids for work on phase 2 could go out by February.
Drainage work that needed to be done pushed the anticipated opening date of the first phase back to mid-November.
Phase I of Old Augusta is approximately 2.75 miles long and consists of two 12-foot lanes with a right-of-way for four lanes. Construction cost was pegged at around $4.9 million and the county was responsible for planning and engineering, right-of-way acquisition, design and utilities movement.
The second phase will be more than 4 miles long.