Resurfacing that is about to start on one of the busiest state routes in Bainbridge will interrupt traffic, but motorists will benefit from a better road and smoother ride once the project is finished.

The Georgia Department of Transportation project is tentatively scheduled to begin Monday. Contractor Peavy & Son Construction Co. Inc. will be milling and resurfacing 5.081 miles of the bypass (U.S. 84/state Route 38). The project begins on the north end of the US 27/SR 1 bridge over US 27 BU/SR 1 BU/Dothan Road and goes to the intersection of US 84 BU/SR 38 BU.

The bypass is being resurfaced because the pavement is deteriorating. The first step in the process is milling, the removal of the top layer of asphalt. Milling removes imperfections such as rutting and cracking and eliminates a drop off between the edge of the pavement and the curb or gutter when new asphalt is added.

The contractor generally plans to work from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Lane closures are allowed seven days a week, but no double lane closures are permitted. Drivers should be prepared for lane shifts. Although traffic isn’t expected to stop, it will move at a slower pace and drivers should plan accordingly or use an alternate route. One of the last steps of the project will be resurfacing the bypass ramps, which will require detours. The contractor is allowed to close ramps from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday through Sunday. Detours will be announced in advance.

There will be plenty of signs to alert drivers of work ahead and flaggers will direct traffic. As with any construction zone, motorists are asked to slow down, be patient and avoid tailgating. The project is scheduled to be complete Nov. 30. The construction cost is $5.39 million.