Commuters on Interstate 85 in Coweta County will soon be experiencing delays as a massive widening project begins by the end of the year.

The DOT announced Thursday that a $107 million contract had been let to McCarthy Improvement Center of Davenport, Iowa to widen 9.7 miles from Ga. Highway 34 to the Fulton County Line.

DOT spokesperson Barry Hancock said the primary goal of the project is to rehabilitate the center and outside lanes in each direction.

“The inside lanes were placed in service in the earlier 90s, so they’re in good shape,” he said.

Hancock said the work should not begin until later in the fall, because a meeting has to still be conducted with the contractor. During the work, lanes will be closed, but Hancock will know more after the meeting with McCarthy.

The work will also include replacing the grass median with a permanent concrete median and guardrail.

The estimated completion date for the project is Oct., 2009.