ATKINSON COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - Drivers traveling through South Georgia will soon see relief as State Route 31 in Atkinson County reopens this week after months of construction.

The roadway, located south of Pearson, is scheduled to reopen Thursday following a final inspection by the Georgia Department of Transportation. The closure was put in place to replace two aging bridge culverts over Hog Creek and its tributary.

While the project is located in Atkinson County, officials say the impact stretches far beyond Pearson. SR 31 is a major connector used by drivers traveling between Valdosta, Pearson, and surrounding communities, including commuters, families and commercial traffic.

For months, drivers traveling from Pearson to Valdosta were forced to take longer routes through neighboring counties or rely on county-maintained roads. County leaders say those detours added miles, time and frustration for residents who regularly commute for work, shopping, and everyday needs.

“We were having to go to Willacoochee and utilize 135 or use county-maintained roads all the way to Lakeland. It added more mileage to the trip and more inconvenience. So opening those roads back up really helped us,” Atkinson County Board of Commissioners Chairman Parker Liles said.

Residents say the reopening restores a sense of normalcy and improves access to work, schools, healthcare, and essential services across the region.

The original culverts were built in 1940 and were no longer suitable for modern traffic demands. GDOT replaced the Hog Creek crossing with a new bridge featuring two 12-foot lanes and 10-foot shoulders, while the tributary crossing was upgraded with a new culvert. The total cost of the project is approximately $5 million.

The impact goes beyond convenience. With more drivers passing through the county, local leaders believe the reopened roadway will help boost the local economy. The project was made possible through a $5 million grant, and Liles says seeing taxpayer dollars put to work on infrastructure projects like this is critical.

“It’s very important for taxpayers to see that their money is being used correctly and for projects that benefit the entire community,” Liles said.

For local businesses, the reopened road means more potential customers. At Austin Avenue in Pearson, employees say faster travel times make a noticeable difference. Barista Ava Sears frequently drives the route and felt the impact of the road closure firsthand.

“I work at Eliano’s on Baytree Drive in Valdosta, and the drive was longer when the road was closed. It added about 10 to 15 minutes. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but it adds up because I’m there almost every weekend,” Sears said.

Liles adds improved travel is just the beginning for the county.

“Our goal is for everyone to be able to get what they need right here in Atkinson County instead of having to go to other counties,” Liles said.

Austin Avenue is just one of many Atkinson County businesses excited about the road reopening. Owners say improved access will give more people the opportunity to stop in, visit and try their popular hot chocolate as traffic returns to the area.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.