UPDATE: Sharon Kraun, spokeswoman for the city of Sandy Springs, provided the following update on June 27.
“The southbound lane of Lake Forrest Drive has reopened to through traffic. The northbound lane remains closed with traffic detoured to Mt. Paran Road. Drivers are asked to use extreme caution and maintain the posted speed limits along Lake Forrest Drive and along the detour route. Updates will be provided, as further information is available.”
From original story posted on on June 20:
Lake Forrest Drive will be closed for months while contractors for the city of Sandy Springs work to stabilize the road plagued with rock slides, the city announced.
Spokeswoman Sharon Kraun also announced long-term detours that will be in place while the road is being repaired. Kraun said there have been 13 reports of mud and rock slides along the road since 2009.
Here is the full press release from the city:
SANDY SPRINGS (June 20, 2013) – Lake Forrest Drive will remain closed for the next several months as the City of Sandy Springs works to stabilize the slope along the roadway. With the long-term closure, the City is altering the detour currently in place. On Monday, a barrier wall will be installed, blocking northbound access on Lake Forrest Drive. Once installed, the southbound lane on Lake Forrest will open to through traffic. The lane is expected to reopen by Tuesday morning, weather permitting.
During the Sandy Springs City Council meeting held June 18, City Staff and representatives from United Consulting provided an update on the recent analysis conducted which indicates long-term deterioration of the soil environment along the slope. The City Council approved additional soil testing to better define the condition of the slopes to help staff determine best options for stabilization. Since 2009, the City received 13 work order requests related to mud/rock slides and trees down along Lake Forrest Drive with eight of those work orders happening during this year.
Northbound drivers will be detoured to Mt Paran where they are able to make a signalized turn on Roswell Road. The public is asked to use extreme caution and maintain the posted speed limit along the detour route as well as along Lake Forrest Drive. Motorists are encouraged to avoid Lake Forrest Drive if possible.
For more information, please visit us online at www.sandyspringsga.gov, or call the Citizen Response Center at 770-730-5600. Follow breaking news and traffic alerts at twitter.com/sandyspringsga, and “like us” at facebook.com/SandySpringsGA for community information.