EVANS, Ga. — Drivers in Columbia County have been enduring construction on Furys Ferry Road since 2021, with the project now nearing the 75-80% completion mark. The roadwork, which has already caused significant delays, is expected to finish by 2026. However, the construction’s impact is felt not only by residents of Columbia County but also by daily commuters from surrounding areas.

Prisila Reilly, a daily driver on Furys Ferry Road, described her experience navigating the busy corridor. “It feels like I live in L.A.,” Reilly said. “I talk with my friends on the West Coast about traffic, and I’m like, ‘An hour commute is normal to me.’”

Reilly, who must juggle school drop-offs and her own busy schedule, explained the careful planning required to manage her daily timeline. “I have to be very intentional about when I leave in the morning to get her to school and then turn around to get downtown, especially in the afternoons,” she said.

Kyle Titus, Director of Columbia County Engineering Services, provided an update on the project’s progress. He explained that much of the work so far has involved utility relocations, which are now mostly finished. The project has moved into more visible stages, including base installation, storm drainage construction, and lane switching. “The big lift in the immediate is going to be switching lanes at Southern Pines Drive,” said Titus. “There’s a large culvert at Reed Creek, so we are planning to shut down Southern Pines Drive for a weekend to accommodate this work.”

Despite the challenges, Titus remains optimistic about the project’s future. “It’s going to flow really well when it’s done. It’s been inconvenient for most travelers along that corridor, but it’s going to really cut loose when it’s done.”

For many, like Reilly, the disruption is viewed as a necessary sacrifice for the long-term benefits. “It’s a short-term inconvenience for a long-term goal to grow the right way,” she said, acknowledging the larger vision behind the construction.

As workers continue to wrap up the bulk of the roadwork, attention is shifting toward the roundabout at Hardy McManus Road, a critical component of the project. However, the timeline has stretched beyond the original four years due to factors like frequent rainy weather, which has slowed progress.

Though frustrations remain, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for commuters as the project approaches its final stages. With continued effort, the road will ultimately provide smoother travel for all who rely on Furys Ferry Road each day.