Construction Schedule for Diverging Diamond Interchange at I-85, Jimmy Carter

The Gwinnett Village CID released an overview of what to see and expect during construction through March 2014.

Construction for the diverging diamond interchange (DDI) on the Jimmy Carter Boulevard bridge at I-85 in Norcross has been well underway since March, but it hasn't caused any major traffic stalls yet. The Gwinnett Village CID released an overview detailing the construction schedule for the DDI project through March 2014, which is when the interchange is expected to be completed. The new DDI design uses the existing bridge more efficiently by switching traffic to the left to allow smooth turns onto the interstate. Pedestrians also will use a new walkway in the median. Read more on the project here. Check out the construction details below. The community improvement district reminds locals that the schedule is subject to change depending on …

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Weekend Work Planned for Jimmy Carter Bridge This Weekend

Drivers should expect lane closures Friday as construction continues on the diverging diamond interchange at I-85 in Norcross.

There may be less traffic in Norcross this week because of spring break, but delays may come back this weekend. Drivers should expect lane closures near the I-85 bridge at Jimmy Carter Boulevard for the diverging diamond interchange (DDI) from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday, April 12. According to an email from the Gwinnett Village CID, there will be no closures or traffic disruptions on the I-85 ramps, but if the work is not completed Friday, construction will continue Saturday night. "We understand that dealing with construction delays can be frustrating and we thank you for bearing with us as we work to relieve congestion for the long term," says the email. The DDI project was approved in early February and construction was officially underway…

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Gwinnett Road Closures: Jimmy Carter at I-85 and More

Check out our interactive map to find where, when and why local roads will be closed for construction, from the Gwinnett DOT. (Updated weekly)

The weekly Gwinnett County road closure report from the Gwinnett DOT (for March 31-April 5). Added to this week's report: -------------- See also: Don’t miss any Norcross news. Subscribe to Norcross Patch’s free newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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Expect Traffic Shifts for DDI Project on Pleasant Hill

Intermittent lane closures and traffic shifts for the diverging diamond interchange are expected to occur now through March 22 at I-85 and Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth.

Gwinnett County is continuing to convert the existing Pleasant Hill Road bridge over I-85 into a diverging diamond interchange, or DDI. The construction is requiring traffic adjustments. Intermittent lane closures and up to three lanes of traffic shifts will take place on I-85 at Pleasant Hill Road from March 1 to approximately March 22, weather permitting. Pleasant Hill Road from Breckinridge Boulevard/Shackleford Road to Venture Parkway will continue to require intermittent lane closures and traffic shifts through September 2013. Lane closures on I-85 will take place from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday and 8 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday. Pleasant Hill Road lane closures will take place …

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Grant Approved for Diverging Diamond Interchange at Jimmy Carter, I-85

Construction will begin this spring on the Norcross bridge and is expected to be completed within a year.

Grant Approved for Diverging Diamond Interchange at Jimmy Carter, I-85

Construction will begin this spring on the Norcross bridge and is expected to be completed within a year.

The grant to build a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) at Jimmy Carter Boulevard and I-85 was approved Tuesday by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. Construction will begin this spring on the Norcross bridge and is expected to be completed within a year, according to a news release. Gwinnett’s first project of this type is currently under construction a few exits away, at Pleasant Hill Road. "The Gwinnett Department of Transportation worked closely with the community improvement districts in these areas to design the diverging diamonds," Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash said, citing the Gwinnett Village CID. "We are pleased to partner with both groups to make mobility and livability improvements." The DDI design uses the …

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Video: Diverging Diamond Interchange at Jimmy Carter Bridge

The Gwinnett Village CID posted a simulation video of what the interchange at I-85 is expected to look like.

Wondering what the proposed diverging diamond interchange at the Jimmy Carter Boulevard and I-85 bridge will look like? The Gwinnett Village CID has posted a simulation video of the intersection to give people a sneak peek. Check it out above. The diverging diamond interchange is expected to improve the traffic congestion in the area. The basic idea is to cross traffic over to the “opposite” side of the road, eliminating hard lefts and easing traffic congestion at these notoriously slow intersections. What do you think about the diverging diamond intersection? Are you a fan of it, or do you think it'll just cause more issures? Tell us in the comments. See also: Don’t miss any Norcross news. Subscribe to Norcross Patch’s free newsletter, …

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New Lane on 316 Opens to Ease Traffic Tie Ups

The new lane opened to traffic in Gwinnett County Friday afternoon.

The new lane on State Route 316 eastbound officially opened Friday in time for rush hour. The third lane extends from the split from I-85 end becomes the ramp for the Sugarloaf exit on 316.  "Afternoon commutes are a lot smoother because of this project," said Gwinnett County District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau. "If you were to take a picture of the road down here where the actual lane was constructed all the way to Sugarloaf, a few months ago you would have seen a huge bottleneck. It would back up for an eighth to a quarter of a mile, and now there are virtually no merging issues. It's been a huge enhancement." Beaudreau said the approximately $2.5 million dollars for the project came from Gwinnett County SPLOST funds. Construction …

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City Gives I-85 Annexation Back to County

I-85 corridor along Indian Trail Road has reverted back to being unincorporated Norcross.

After recently annexing the I-85 corridor along Indian Trail Road and Jimmy Carter Boulevard, the city of Norcross has agreed with the Georgia legislature to give the area back to the county. “The city is presently revising the boundaries along I-85," City of Norcross councilman Ross Kaul said in an email. "Our boundary line will stop on the North/Northwest side of the interstate with a small exception of the billboard lots at Goshen Springs Road, which has been in place for years." Both reasons for the initial annexation and reverting it back has to do with police jurisdiction. Kaul said the annexation was originally set because of connectivity with Beaver Ruin, Jimmy Carter and Indian Trail. If I-85 were annexed, Norcross Police cars …

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Are Reversible Lanes a Good Idea on I-85?

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle says he’d like to add movable barriers to help the flow of traffic. What do you think?

With the public still reeling from the HOT lane project on I-85, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle has brought a new idea to the table: creating “reversible” lanes that widen one part of the highway during the I-85 commute. The Gwinnett Daily Post reports that the “grandiose” idea may be even more real the earlier thought, with county officials saying that the reversible lanes have been discussed by an advisory group whose report could be ready as early as March.  The idea is to add movable barriers that would change some northbound lanes into southbound lanes in the morning, and vice versa in the afternoon.  Some say they are all for any measure that would improve commutes—and have commended the idea for its creativity.  Others have said it is …

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Don W.

7:56 am on Friday, December 30, 2011

Well said! It's a never ending cycle it seems that has to be shaken up by truly different ideas. Until we get some of those, we will be stuck in traffic...   more ›