The Georgia Department of Transportation announced that crews working on the multi-billion-dollar SR 400 widening project will open two new temporary exits (5A and 5B) on Aug. 29, while closing the existing ramp for phase-one construction.
Motorists traveling southbound to the North Springs MARTA Station, Abernathy Road, and Hammond Drive exits will use new temporary exit ramps just south of the existing Exit 5 entrance as access points to each destination during the first phase of construction.
In its August newsletter on the SR 400 Express Lanes project, GDOT reiterated that access to all three destinations will remain available throughout construction.
“Motorists should slow down, follow posted signage, and allow extra travel time as they become familiar with the new traffic pattern,” the state agency’s newsletter said.
Billion dollar project’s first ramp changes
GDOT and its contractor, Peach State Partners, divided the 16-mile project corridor into segments A, B, and C. The city of Sandy Springs includes all of Segment A and a sliver of the middle section, stretching to the Chattahoochee River and the border with the city of Roswell.
The North Springs MARTA Station access point is about 0.6 miles south of the current Exit 5. The Abernathy Road and Hammond Drive access point is about 1.1 miles south of the current exit.
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August construction update
Construction activities are now underway throughout the project corridor. Work is expected to occur both during the day and at night, with overnight work used to minimize daytime traffic disruptions. So far, most scheduled lane closures and construction activity have occurred between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
As part of its construction update for Segment A in Sandy Springs, the newsletter announced that crews are preparing for “upcoming traffic shifts and early roadway work.” Crews are also performing earthwork activities near Spalding Drive and Northridge Road, while .
Additional activities throughout active construction zones along the corridor include temporary striping, concrete barrier installation, clearing, and drainage work.
The August newsletter also included a back-to-school safety tip.
“If you’re traveling along SR 400, slow down, stay alert, and be aware of changing traffic patterns and ongoing construction activity,” it said. “Treat a work zone like you would a school zone; be extra careful and alert. Regardless of where you are traveling, allow extra travel time, follow posted signs and lane markings, and be especially mindful of school buses and other drivers adjusting to new routes.”
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