COLUMBUS, Ga. - Drivers in Columbus are dealing with several long-running road projects this fall, and three of them affect everyday routes. A lane of Cherokee Avenue near Cherokee Drive is closed for a retaining wall repair, Buena Vista Road remains shut at the Spiderweb, and a new roundabout is under construction at Northstar Drive and Kennedy Street. Here is what the city's own notices say about each one.

Cherokee Avenue near Cherokee Drive

The city said in an Oct. 7 release that the outside southbound lane of Cherokee Avenue would close starting Monday, Oct. 12. Crews are repairing a portion of the retaining wall next to Weracoba Creek. The closure was expected to last about one month, which puts the reopening in mid-November.

The release asks drivers to proceed with caution and to watch for traffic control devices and personnel. Questions go to project engineer Brennan Hoy at 706-225-4441. The city had not issued a reopening notice as of its latest postings.

Buena Vista Road at the Spiderweb

A portion of Buena Vista Road is closed for Spiderweb Phase II, and the city's Department of Engineering page lists the closure as lasting until April 2027. The project includes a new bridge over the railroad, a new bridge over Bull Creek, and roundabouts at Illges Road and Ace Way Drive and at Morris Road and Ace Way Drive. The city page says construction is underway.

The city has posted a detour map on its engineering page. The page does not spell out the detour turns in text, so drivers who use the corridor should check the map before they go. Questions go to Vance Beck, the city's engineering director, at 706-225-4441.

Northstar Drive and Kennedy Street

The city's engineering page says construction of a new roundabout at Northstar Drive and Kennedy Street was to begin July 20, 2026, and last about six months. That schedule points to work running into January. The page does not state the cost or the contractor, and it does not say whether the schedule has changed.

Other city projects on the list

The Department of Engineering lists six active projects. Besides the three above, they are the 19th Street flood abatement project, the 8th Street improvements and the Infantry Road and Follow-Me Trail extension. A Dragonfly Trails Midtown Connector Phase I project also appears on the list. The city pages reviewed did not give end dates for most of them.

Rail crossings and the next public meeting

Railroad crossing closures have been short. Norfolk Southern closed the Old Cusseta Road crossing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, for track maintenance, according to a city release dated Oct. 21. Those closures come and go, so the city's news page is the place to check for new ones.

Georgia's Department of Transportation also has work on the calendar. A public open house on County Line Road at Manchester Highway is set for 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, according to Fountain CityNews' weekly road roundup, which says comments stay open through Nov. 20 under project 0019517. For live conditions, drivers can use Georgia 511.

Quick guide

Source: Columbus Consolidated Government press releases dated Oct. 7 and Oct. 21, 2026, city Department of Engineering project pages, and Fountain CityNews, reviewed by The Columbus Times.