Patch Rewind: New Interchange Scheduled for I-85 and Gravel Springs Road

Gwinnett County DOT has selected a firm to design a new interchange at Interstate 85 and Gravel Springs Road (SR 324) in the northern part of the county.

The interchange will include four new ramps between the Ga. 20/Buford Drive and Hamilton Mill Road interchanges, according to a news release.

Nashville-based Gresham, Smith and Partners will head the project.

“After completing the bridge at Gravel Springs Road and I-85 we are excited at the opportunity to continue our work for Gwinnett County with this new interchange,” commented Jody Braswell, P.E., senior transportation engineer with Gresham, Smith and Partners said in the news release. “This new project will not only allow for more direct access to the interstate but will also create a safer commuting environment for the residents of Buford and Northeastern Gwinnett County.”

The project is meant to address access, operational and economic issues that currently exist in the vicinity of the project area. The interchange will provide alternative access to the Mall of Georgia and surrounding commercial developments for southbound traffic and an alternate route to the area for northbound traffic, which will improve commute times for local residents. It is also the hope that by alleviating congestion issues this interchange will result in a lower traffic incident rate for the area.

The project is slated for completion in late 2018 or 2019 and will be paid for with local SPLOST and matching state and federal funds, according to the AJC.