The US city of Atlanta, Georgia, has hired C.W. Matthews Contracting Company to improve inbound access roads to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, as well as increase safety.

As part of the $48.5m contract, C.W. Matthews will build 11 miles of roads and construct five new bridges, as well as reconfigure certain roadway segments, intersections and bridges.

The project will be 100% funded by passenger facility charges, with construction work set to be carried out in phases to minimise impact and include temporary roads, lane shifts and reduced speeds.

Atlanta Airport Aviation general manager Louis Miller said that the project is important for hometown customers.

"When it is complete, they will have better and safer motor vehicle access to the domestic terminal," Miller added.

"The main access to the domestic north and south terminals will remain generally the same during construction.

"However, as with any work zone, motorists will need to pay special attention and take extra caution as they travel to and from Hartsfield-Jackson in the coming months."

Project Development assistant director Kathryn Masters said: "These improvements will eliminate a number of problematic lane changes and add decision-making time for motorists who need to go to either the north or south terminal."

Project work is expected to commence by 1 September 2012 and be finished within two years.