The Georgia Department of Transportation has announced it plans to begin working on 17 infrastructure improvement projects throughout the state.

Department of Transportation officials said a new $8.7 million bridge will be built to replace an outdated and narrow structure spanning Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River new the Olympic rowing venue in Hall County. The bridge is expected to have two lanes for cars, bike lanes, sidewalks and pedestrian tunnels to allow rowers to safely carry boats from one side of the road to the other. The new bridge is expected to open at the end of 2015.

The department also plans to resurface parts of State Route 23 in Emanuel County, State Route 20 in Gwinnett County and State Route 121 in Candler County.

Officials plan to distribute information on lane closures and construction details.

Tags: road projects, Georgia Department of Transportation, bridge construction, road paving