Traffic signal upgrades planned in Gainesville

GAINESVILLE - The Georgia Department of Transportation is embarking on a major upgrade of traffic signals through the middle of Gainesville.

Bids are to be opened Nov. 21 on the work, which will involve 11 intersections in the Browns Bridge Road/Jesse Jewell Parkway corridor.

DOT spokeswoman Teri Pope said the work will cover the area between between McEver Road and Barnes Drive and, pending bid approval and the signing of the contract, is expected to begin in the spring.

Pope said the new signals will involve lights that are more visible in periods of dim light, such as in rain or fog. New equipment will also be installed that will make it easier to "time" the traffic signals, which should improve traffic flow through town.

Pedestrian crossing upgrades are also planned at each of the intersections. This will include crosswalks at each of the intersections and the installation of pedestrian activated "walk/don't walk" signals.