Drivers fear major traffic gridlock with new Howell Mill Road development

ATLANTA — A developer is adding hundreds of apartments, plus restaurants and stores on one of Atlanta's most notoriously congested streets.

Channel 2's Jeff Dore talked with residents who are concerned about the traffic that'll likely go along with the plans on Howell Mill Road.

During morning, lunch and evening rush hours, there are already drivers who avoid the stretch of Howell Mill Road near Interstate 75.

"It's bad now, it's only going get worse," said driver Stan Carter.

The extra traffic so far, is a few giant dump trucks, filled by an excavator making way for 256 new apartments, some restaurants and some stores.

It's in an l-shaped parcel along Howell Mill, south of Collier Road and north of I-75. Some people in the area said they thought it would be a great addition in an under-used location.

"I think it's great. The area needs it," said resident Megan Presley.

At the Chick-fil-a and a block down at the Atlanta Food Truck Center, vendors welcomed new life in the area.

"At Masala Fresh, we're excited to have new people to try us out," said food vendor Sylvia Hyles.

But even people who like it, worry about more traffic.

"Traffic on Howell Mill is already crazy. This time of day, it's crazy. Rush hour is worse. Add another turn for the apartments there, it's going to be insane," said driver J.P. Godette.

City Councilmember Yolanda Adrean, along with city planners, will meet with the community to discuss the bigger picture of development in the Howell Mill “Collier Village” area at Trinity Presbyterian Church Oct. 22 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the old Fellowship Hall.

WSBTV