The bridge will open to traffic by 5 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 17 with the new interchange configuration. Should conditions prevent the closure from occurring as planned, the backup closure period will be from Nov. 21-24.
The bridge will be closed to all through-traffic during the weekend, although construction will not impact right turn access to or from I-85. Drivers and pedestrians should take one of the planned detours detailed on http://www.gwinnettDDI.com.
Pedestrian traffic should continue to use the detour route for at least one month following crossover during the construction of pedestrian walkways.
“We ask that drivers in this area be especially cautious and alert during construction,” said Transportation Deputy Director Alan Chapman. “We understand this is an inconvenience, so Gwinnett DOT staff will closely monitor traffic flow and signals during the crossover weekend to help keep traffic moving.”
After crossover, construction will continue on the center median and pedestrian facilities, while crews will finalize the signals, interchange lighting and pavement markings. The project is expected to be substantially complete in spring 2015. Once the project is complete, the bridge at Jimmy Carter Boulevard and I-85 will be Gwinnett County’s second diverging diamond interchange.
The Georgia Department of Transportation is currently constructing a new “flex lane” on the northbound lanes of I-85 adjacent to the project. That project is also expected to be complete in spring 2015 and will add a new lane on I-85 northbound from Jimmy Carter Boulevard to Indian Trail Road for use during the afternoon rush hour. The Georgia Department of Transportation project will further improve the flow of traffic in the area.
“Jimmy Carter Boulevard is one of the busiest access points in Gwinnett County and helps to fuel the commerce of thousands of businesses in the area,” said Chuck Warbington, executive director for the Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District. “The mobility improvements the diverging diamond design offers will help local businesses get out of traffic and get back to what it is they do best—driving the economy for Gwinnett.”
For information on how to drive the diamond, including a video rendering of the completed project, visit http://www.gwinnettDDI.com.
