VALDOSTA — The Georgia Department of Transportation announced Monday that the Interstate 75 Lowndes reconstruction project is about complete and all new lanes are open between Valdosta and the Lowndes-Cook county line.

“The Department is pleased to give motorists enhanced mobility by reducing congestion on one of the busiest roads in our state,” said GDOT Communications Specialist Craig Solomon. “We would like to thank the residents of Lowndes County and the traveling public for their patience throughout the project.”

The project began in March 2002 with an expected completion date of Sept. 30, 2004. Defaulted by the original contractor, however, work stalled and did not resume until this April. With new contractors and

subcontractors on the job, the project was actually reported ahead of schedule in June.

The state DOT recognizes Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland, Zurich American Insurance Company, Nicholson Professional Consulting and the contractor, Yates Construction of Memphis, Tenn., for administering the remainder of the work. Additionally, a substantial portion of the work was completed by the Scruggs Company.

“As with any project, we request that everyone obey all traffic devices and signs,” Solomon said. “GDOT will be heavily working in the area while the project is being completed. Please remember that this is still a construction work zone and lane closures are possible.”