Apiary Road reopens

After months of repairs, Apiary Road has been reopened for use.

Columbia County announced the opening of the road on social media on Aug. 8, saying that the paving had been completed at the site of the closure at Milepost 11.8.

The county said the road will be open, but that some work is still in progress. Drivers are advised to drive slowly through this section because the county is finishing up the last details, including putting up barricades and lane markings.

The county closed the roadway in November 2023 and began soliciting contractors to assist with the project. Columbia County Assistant Director of Public Works Grant DeJongh detailed the timeline of work on the Apiary road project.

"Emergency work, including emergency excavation, began after the culvert failed in January 2024. In February 2024, formal preliminary survey, geotechnical analysis, and design work began," DeJongh said. "Reconstruction efforts began in June 2024, which culminated in the installation of a new structure, rock backfill, and paving."

DeJongh said the project was "solicited pursuant to an emergency declaration by the county," and that the costs billed to date are roughly $600,000.

Next week, starting Aug. 12, the county told drivers on the road to expect single-lane closures as the county completes work on the shoulders, hydroseeding, and cleaning the intersection with Schaffer Road. Traffic will still be allowed, but people are advised to be cautious and patient.

DeJongh said that completion of the Apiary Road project is a welcome development for convenient travel throughout the county.

"Apiary Road is one of the two main non-state highway arterials through Columbia County. It is a major haul route, as well as a throughway for residents, visitors, and emergency services. The completion of this project restores this functionality to the county road system," DeJongh said. "We also would like to express our appreciation to the residents of the County and the traveling public for their patience during this project."