Local

Buford Drive Bridge set to open soon

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Detours signs and orange barrels along a busy highway will be coming down soon, easing the commute for many drivers in Gwinnett County.
 
Construction began two and a half years ago on the $37 million project along Highway 316. Now, the Buford Drive Bridge is set to open in May. It is one of two bridges being built to ease congestion.
 
Orange barrels and digital billboards have helped drivers navigate through the construction zone, but when the bridge is finished, it will bring traffic from State Route 20 over Highway 316, eliminating the stop lights that have clogged traffic since 2011.
 
Teri Pope from the Georgia Department of Transportation said winter weather slowed the project.
 
"We didn't get much done this winter because it was cold, wet and snowy. We are really hoping to make great strides this construction season," Pope said.
 
Until the bridge is open, traffic will continue to be diverted onto what's known now as Highway 316, but will eventually transition into the on and off ramps for the new bridge.