Houze-Hembree Roundabout Construction Moving Into Final Stages

ROSWELL, GA -- Residents and commuters in and around Roswell have noticed a significant change taking place at the intersection of Houze and Hembree roads. To relieve congestion in this area of the city, the Georgia Department of Transportation has been transforming the signalized intersection to what will eventually become a two-lane roundabout.

While construction has been moving at a steady pace, some delays have occurred due to more frequent rainfall during the summer months. However, the city would like to inform residents that the intersection is "now very close" to functioning as a roundabout (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

With this in mind, here is what you can expect to see at the intersection in the coming weeks:

• Paving and concrete islands: Weather permitting, GDOT contractors will be adding new pavement and concrete islands to the new roundabout through mid-August.
• One-lane roundabout before two-lane roundabout: Before the intersection transitions to its final configuration as a two-lane roundabout later this fall, it will first be set up as a one-lane roundabout. This is expected to happen by the third weekend of August, but the timing is dependent on weather conditions. Drivers can expect to see contractors removing the traffic signal at this intersection, and then they will reorganize the intersection as a one-lane roundabout. During this time, motorists are strongly encouraged to use caution while traveling through the intersection, as new traffic patterns will be going into effect.
• Expect delays: Construction work will be done during daylight hours, but drivers should expect some delays while paving and concrete work continues over the next several days and weeks. Although there will be no road closures, flaggers may be on site to direct traffic through the work zone.
• Two-lane roundabout by the end of the year: Work on the roundabout will continue into the fall, as contractors complete the second lane and the road approaches. The two-lane version of the roundabout is expected to open later this year.
• Trail enhancements: The project also includes a multi-use trail on the south side of Hembree Road that will connect with the existing trail near Upper Hembree Road.

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Once completed, the Houze-Hembree roundabout will be one of the first multi-lane roundabouts on a state route in Georgia. The construction cost for the roundabout is about $4.4 million and was funded by GDOT. The city of Roswell contributed $353,500 toward preliminary engineering and design and right-of-way acquisition.

Image via city of Roswell