Just days after announcing work was set to begin on the intersection of Ga. 400 and Kilough Church Road, state transportation officials delayed the project.

The plan called for installing concrete medians, closing the crossing and eliminating the option for drivers to turn left from Kilough Church Road.

Following numerous calls and e-mails from area residents questioning the project, county officials requested the work be called off until the plan could be discussed with the public.

On Friday, DOT spokeswoman Teri Pope said she is working with the county to set up a question-and-answer series designed to outline the project for the community. A date for the session had not been set as of Tuesday morning.

"Then we'll move forward based on what happens at that Q and A session and what the county has requested," Pope said. "We'll be working with [the county] as we make a decision about this work."

DOT District Engineer Todd McDuffie said changing the intersection is intended to improve safety at the crossing.

"Traffic engineers have studied the intersection and determined that removing the option for motorists to turn left from Kilough Church Road or cross Ga. 400 will improve safety on both roadways," he said.

Dawson County Emergency Services Director Billy Thurmond said there have been several serious wrecks at the intersection, including nine in the past five years that required medical transports to area hospitals.

The crossing is one of five along Ga. 400 in Dawson County considered by the DOT needing improvements.

"Beartooth Parkway was the first and now we'll be working on Kilough," Pope said.