North Fulton Today

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has informed the City of Alpharetta about updated completion dates for the State Route 9 Improvement Project. The project, initially slated for completion in Spring 2024, now has separate timelines for its southern and northern sections. The southern section, spanning from Upper Hembree Road to Old Milton Parkway, is expected to be finished by Spring 2025. The northern section, extending from Academy Street to Windward Parkway, is projected to be completed by late 2025.

The project commenced in April 2021 but faced delays due to complications with underground and overhead utility relocations, including water and sewer lines as well as power and communications utilities. Additionally, changes in right-of-way requirements caused by new residential developments necessitated alterations in design plans along the corridor.

The State Route 9 Improvement Project is a $50 million reconstruction effort aimed at widening a 3.6-mile stretch of the state road to four travel lanes from Upper Hembree Road through Windward Parkway. The plan includes adding turn lanes at key intersections and raised medians at various locations. Other features include 10-foot-wide ADA-compliant sidewalks, bike lanes, on-street parking in select areas, pedestrian lighting, ornamental landscaping, upgraded traffic signals and pedestrian signals, and enhanced stormwater infrastructure.

From now through October 2024, primary activities in the southern section will involve continued sidewalk construction, curb and gutter installation, new traffic signal installation, and ongoing utility relocations. Maxwell Road at State Route 9 will remain closed until October as crews work on reconfiguring the intersection.

In the northern section, utility relocation work will continue alongside boring for new signal conduits. Installation of curbs, gutters, sidewalks, concrete islands, and driveways will also proceed. Initial asphalt paving work is anticipated during this period.

To minimize traffic disruption during peak commute hours (weekdays from 6 AM to 9 AM and from 3 PM to 9 PM), GDOT has restricted lane closures and other significant construction activities. On Sundays between 8 AM and 1:30 PM lane closures are also generally not permitted. However, periodic detours and traffic shifts should be expected as construction progresses.

For safety reasons some sidewalks are currently closed to pedestrian traffic; however sidewalks remain open on at least one side of the roadway where possible.