Design approved for widening of Ga. 13 in Hall, Gwinnett counties

ATLANTA - The "design and location" of the widening of a section of Georgia 13 (known as Buford Highway in Gwinnett County and Atlanta Highway in Hall County) has been approved.

The affected stretch of road totals 1.65-miles, from Sawnee Avenue in Gwinnett County to Georgia 347 in Hall County, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). It now consists of two lanes.

Plans calL for four lanes with a 20-foot raised grass median, 12-foot shoulders, curb and gutter, and sidewalks, among other things.

GDOT spokeswoman Teri Pope says right-of-way acquisition is "just starting...there are 66 parcels we need to negotiate and purchase with an estimated cost of $11.7 million. Construction is scheduled in FY 15, at an estimated cost of $8.2 million."