DOT shifting intersection for 316 improvements

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Drivers need to prepare for a major shift at one of the busiest intersections in Gwinnett County.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is temporarily shifting lanes on Georgia 20 to make room for work on Highway 316.

The temporary shift will make way for one of biggest pieces of the 316 makeover.

"We're about to start building the bridge that will bring State Route 20 traffic over 316, no more intersection," Teri Pope with the Georgia Department of Transportation told Channel 2's Kerry Kavanaugh.

In order to begin construction they have make some moves first.

"We've got to get traffic over and out of the way so we can begin coming out of the ground with the bridge," Pope said.

The solution is a new section of State Route 20. The new lanes run parallel to the existing ones. They run right through the intersection at Highway 316.

The bridge that will eventually fly over 316 is one of two designed to relieve congestion along one of the busiest stretches in Gwinnett County.

The other is already going up at Collins Hill Road.

"This will be a huge relief to get that traffic separated. It will help it flow more efficiently and more safely," Pope said. "This is one of the bigger changes, but if you slow down and pay attention to the signage and the barrels, it will direct you exactly where to go."

The transition begins Thursday night. GDOT will shut down one lane on 20 from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. to begin shifting the lanes. They will do the same thing Friday night.

They expect to open the lanes by mid-morning Saturday. The temporary shift should be in place for at least a year.

http://bcove.me/x0o11o5h

WSBTV