Oconee County and Athens-Clarke County Investigating Cracks In New Roadway To Caterpillar Plant

Oconee County and Athens-Clarke County officials are trying to figure out what to do about large cracks that have appeared in Orkin Drive, the major entranceway to the new Caterpillar plant near Bogart.

The roadway problems have occurred at a particularly inopportune time, as Caterpillar is planning a Grand Opening Celebration of its facility for the morning of Oct. 31.

The cracks in both of the eastbound lanes of Orkin Drive are clearly visible, as is the buckling and sinking sidewalk. The problems are just a short distance from where the new road intersects with U.S. 78.

The two governments accepted responsibility for Orkin Drive and Dozer Drive, the two roadways leading into the Caterpillar facility, only in August.

Oconee County Administrative Officer Jeff Benko told me he learned about the problem with the roadway only about two weeks ago and has been spending the time since trying to figure out the cause and the potential liability.

For details on this story, go to Oconee County Observations.