Study Seeks To Find Solutions To I-575 Traffic

WOODSTOCK, GA -- Cherokee County has taken the initiative to review what can be done to improve traffic flow on Interstate 575 at Towne Lake Parkway and Ridgewalk Parkway.

The County Commission at its Aug. 2 meeting approved a proposal from Moreland Altobelli Associates, Inc. to perform studies and conceptual designs for improvements to both interchanges for $32,000.

The study will include information such as traffic volume counts, accident histories, potential improvements, needs for right-of-way acquisition and estimated costs and schedules for proposals.

Both interchanges, Exit 8 at Towne Lake Parkway and Exit 9 at Ridgewalk Parkway, have experienced an increase in traffic volume with the completion of office, residential and retail development in and around downtown Woodstock, according to a staff report.

According to the county, the Towne Lake Parkway interchange lacks capacity during peak hours on its southbound exit ramp for right-turning vehicles heading westbound on the thoroughfare.

Those southbound vehicles stack up into the southbound auxiliary lane along I-575 between Exits 9 and 8.

A lack of capacity also is apparent on the northbound entrance ramp and left-turn lane for eastbound vehicles attempting to enter the I-575 northbound entrance ramp. This backup, according to the county, goes on for nearly a half-mile west along Towne Lake Parkway.

Cherokee's newest I-575 interchange also isn't immune to traffic problems. Ridgewalk Parkway also lacks capacity during peak hours, including weekend and holiday periods, along its northbound exit ramp for vehicles attempting to make a right turn towards the Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta.

As with the Towne Lake parkway interchange, northbound vehicles attempting to exit the interstate at Ridgewalk Pakrway clog up the northbound interstate auxiliary lane between both exits.

A lack of capacity is also noted on the southbound entrance ramp and left-turn lane for westbound traveling vehicles attempting to head south on I-575 from Ridgewalk.

The resulting backup, the county notes, typically stacks up past the northbound entrance ramp.

Cherokee County Public Works Director Geoff Morton said the study should be completed by the end of the year.

"Based upon traffic counts, the scoping study will identify the design needs, right-of-way needs, utility conflicts and right-of-way needs and most importantly, an estimated construction cost and budget," he added.

Once that information is is obtained, the county can then develop a request for proposals for a design contract and also request Federal Highway Administration and Georgia Department of Transportation assistance with the projects.

Construction funding would have to come from future roadway SPLOST funds, as improvements for these areas are not included in the current SPLOST, Morton added.

Image via Shutterstock