Construction of a traffic roundabout and highway connector near the current intersection of Highway 382 and Old Highway 5 is expected to wrap by Apple Festival time this year, confirmed the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) District 6 office.
A September completion date is being eyed for the roundabout and connecting route with Highway 515, noted Joe Schulman, GDOT District 6 communications officer.
The north and southbound lanes of Old 5 remain open to traffic as the roundabout is being built near the intersection, but drivers in either direction should be aware of new shifts in the highway made by the traffic circle. No further lane closures or detours are expected, Schulman noted.
The west and east connector roads have not been opened to traffic and remain blocked by ‘Road Closed’ signs.
The eastbound part of the route has been paved, while the westbound part awaits paving and other work. The new road will also have to be striped, Schulman said.
A temporary three-way stop is still in effect at the busy intersection beside Green’s Country Store, but plans call for it to be removed after construction is done.
The section of Highway 382 that currently runs between Old Highway 5 to near the Dollar General store will be demolished after the new tie-in becomes operational, said Schulman.
Georgia Apple Festival Manager Paige Hutto said the heavily-attended festival’s traffic pattern and flow have vastly improved over the years thanks to the work of local public safety and law enforcement agencies.
While congestion is typically seen near the festival site, event organizers have worked to minimize impacts elsewhere, she added.
Hutto is hopeful the new access to Highway 515 from Old 5 and 382 will help further relieve traffic along both those two-lane highways during the busy fall festival season.
“Any opportunity to disperse traffic at various points will certainly help in the overall traffic flow of fall travelers. While a lot of traffic during the time is called ‘Apple Festival traffic,’ you have to take into consideration that, in a typical year, there are no less than three other festivals along Highway 515 on the same weekends. Additionally, you have general apple houses, leaf looking and fall travelers,” she added.