What is the purpose of the project?
The primary goal of the project is to reduce traffic congestion and improve flow during peak commute periods. Additionally, however, the project will improve pedestrian and vehicular safety and provide enhanced pedestrian access to the Big Creek Greenway.
What road improvements are included to reduce traffic congestion?
The existing dedicated right turn from Kimball Bridge Road onto Waters Road will be extended back to North Point Parkway to increase capacity and reduce backups caused by the volume of traffic turning right from North Point Parkway onto eastbound Kimball Bridge Road during the evening commute period. A dedicated right turn lane from westbound Kimball Bridge Road to Northpoint Parkway will also be extended to reduce backups at the intersection during the morning commute. Finally, a new roundabout will replace the existing traffic signal at the intersection of Kimball Bridge and Rockmill Roads to improve traffic flow while enhancing safety.
During what hours will traffic be impacted by the construction?
For most work that would impede traffic flow, weekday work hours will be 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Weekday work that does not impede traffic flow is limited to between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Work may be performed on Saturdays between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM in accordance with the City noise ordinance. No work may be performed on Sundays.
One big exception to these hours involves the Fulton County water line that is being installed in one of the westbound lanes of Kimball Bridge Road. That work will require the closing of the lane until the work is completed, so that work will be allowed to occur weekdays between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM so that the lane can be reopened as soon as possible.
How will sidewalks and bike lanes fit on the bridge over Big Creek?
The bridge will not include sidewalks or bike lanes. On the south side of Kimball Bridge Road substantial improvements are being made to the Greenway and trail system so that the pedestrian and bike activity will use that to travel Kimball Bridge Road. No changes to the sidewalks are being made on the north side of Kimball Bridge Road, as the majority of residents along the north side did not support the improvements or the City acquiring the necessary right-of-way to make the improvements. Thus, the existing sidewalks and Greenway connections would be used by pedestrians and bicyclists.
What is the cost of this project?
The total cost of the project is $15,691,990, which is funded primarily by funds from the Alpharetta Parks and Transportation Bond that was approved by voters in 2016. A total of $6,083,354 has been provided by Fulton County to be used to fund the construction of a water service mainline within the construction bounds of this project.
Will pedestrian and bicycle access to the Greenway from Kimball Bridge Road be maintained during construction?
Unfortunately, to protect and ensure the safety of the public, pedestrian and bicycle access to the Big Creek Greenway from Kimball Bridge Road cannot be maintained during the construction of this project. The project includes enhancements to the current sidewalks and paths that connect to the Greenway in that area, which makes it necessary to demolish the existing infrastructure to make way for the new. Once the demolition occurs, the access will be closed until construction is complete, and pedestrians and bicyclists will need to access the Greenway from Rock Mill Park.