A Toombs County-based construction company has been awarded jointly in a multi-million-dollar contract for work on widening of an interstate project.

The Georgia Department of Transportation says Matthews Consulting & Engineering will be the Lead Design consulting with McLendon Enterprises awarded the proposal for the I-16 widening Design build Project, the largest of its kind ever awarded in the state of Georgia.

The Georgia Department of Transportation says the project specifically is for the widening of I-95 to State Route 67, with a projects cost of just over $468 million.

Georgia Department of Transportation says three qualified proposer teams were shortlisted in January of this year, and responsive proposals were submitted from two proposer team which were opened on June 26 in a virtual bid opening event.

The I-16 widening project includes the expansion of I-16 east and westbound from two to three lanes, existing pavement improvements, and enhanced design to improve safety and long-term roadway performance. The interstate widening project will include the replacement of six bridges, and the first phase of the project will widen approximately 17.77 miles. The remaining 32-mile total project corridor will be delivered in phases with the same design-build approach that places design and construction under one contract to shorten scheduled and reduce delays.

Construction is anticipated to being in 2027 and includes road construction on Interstate 16 through the counties of Chatham, Effingham, and Bryan.