University Of Georgia Raises Concerns About Bishop Truck Bypass

The University of Georgia Athletic Department has told the state Department of Transportation that it has “serious concerns” about the proposal to build a truck bypass of U.S. 441 on the eastern side of Bishop bordering on the university’s equestrian facility on Astondale Road.

Athletic Director Greg McGarity acknowledged the “commitment from GDOT to mitigate the noise associated with the construction of the bypass as well as the actual traffic associated with the completed bypass.”

“Our serious concerns remain regarding the current plan--the uncertainty that this presents to the safety and overall operation of our Women's Equestrian program,” McGarity said in a letter he sent to Jamie Boswell, who represents the 10th Congressional District on and is chairman of the State Transportation Board.

McGarity said construction of the bypass as proposed could force the Athletic Department to relocate its equestrian facility.

The Department of Transportation and its consultants released preliminary details of its plan for a truck bypass of Bishop at the Bishop City Council meeting on Monday night and are scheduled to release more complete information at a meeting scheduled for 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday at Oconee Veterans Park on Hog Mountain Road.

For more on the story, go to Oconee County Observations.

Pictured: Astondale Road facility.