Changes coming to couple of area roads next week

GAINESVILLE - The state Department of Transportation announces plans for changes in traffic flow along a couple of roads in Forsyth and Gwinnett counties this week.

In Suwanee, a traffic shift on Old Peachtree Road from Lawrenceville Suwanee Road to Peachtree Trails Drive is scheduled Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Forsyth County project involves Browns Bridge Road and Waldrip Circle at the Oscarville Store.

"To widen Old Peachtree to a four lane divided highway, we built two new lanes. Tuesday we will shift traffic on Old Peachtree to use those new lanes then we can remove the old asphalt and rebuild those two lanes to meet the new design. As those lanes finish, traffic will be split to run in one direction on each side of the median and two lanes will be opened in each direction," explained DOT District Construction Engineer Randall Davis.

A stop sign will be installed for Old Peachtree traffic at the site of the future intersection with Northbrook Parkway. "Traffic needs to stop because of very sharp curve, the sign ensures traffic slows enough to make the turn safely. We want everyone who drives in the area to slow down next week and pay extra attention while driving since changes will happen. Remember, work zones can be dangerous places because they are continually changing," concluded Davis.

Changes will be made to the access from Old Peachtree Road to the Oriental Garden restaurant. The driveway to and from Old Peachtree Road will close Tuesday so the grade can be changed in that area. Motorists can continue to access the restaurant from any of the three driveways along Lawrenceville Suwanee Road.

As for the Forsyth County project, "Next week, the existing intersection of 369 (Browns Bridge Road) and Waldrip Circle will close to traffic so we can work in that area. Traffic will be able to access the area from Vann' s Tavern Road. Once construction is complete, Waldrip Circle will shift behind Oscarville Store and line up across State Route 369 with McBride Road. The current intersection of Waldrip Circle and State Route 369 will be closed, no longer allowing access between the two. Please use extreme caution in the area as people get used to the detour," explained Georgia DOT District Construction Engineer, Randall Davis.