The City of Sandy Springs wants drivers to stay out of the marked intersection of Riverside Parkway and Riverside Drive during its “Don’t Block the Box” initiative. The city announced on Dec. 9 that the initiative would start the weekend of Dec. 10.
“‘Don’t Block the Box’ is a system where an intersection is clearly marked to remind drivers to keep that intersection clear, especially as traffic comes to a stop,” City Manager John McDonough said in a press release. “Commuters along Riverside Parkway who need to turn onto Riverside Drive know the challenge faced when Riverside Drive fills up, especially during rush hour. Keeping that ‘box’ open should provide vehicles on Riverside Parkway an opportunity to turn onto Riverside Drive and enter the traffic flow.”
City officials said the city will outline a white box on Riverside Drive and write the words “Do Not Block.” The city will post traffic signs to remind drivers on Riverside Drive to leave the marked space open when traffic stops.
“The opening left on Riverside Drive can then be filled by vehicles turning onto Riverside Drive from Riverside Parkway. Currently, those travelers typically face a long wait as traffic gridlocks,” Public Works Director Kevin Walter said in a press release.
The city will paint the new striping on Dec. 10. Once it’s finished, the drivers on Riverside Drive will be asked to keep that boxed area traffic-free. Sandy Springs Police officers plan to watch the area and help drivers adjust.
“Our best advice to drivers would be not to enter the intersection unless you know you can immediately continue to the other side,” Walter said.
