Local

Solution proposed for congestion on Holcomb Bridge Road

ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell leaders have come up with a plan they hope will ease congestion on busy Holcomb Bridge Road, but it could displace some longtime homeowners.

The proposal calls for building a new parkway with a bridge over state Route 400 between Holcomb Bridge and Mansell Road.

"A lot of the local traffic that goes across Holcomb Bridge now would be able to go to this new parkway," said Transportation Director Steve Acenbrak.

Acenbrak said the $50 million project is a long way from completion and not yet funded, but he said the city is planning for the future so that when money becomes available, the project can commence.

"We were looking for some alternatives to help our citizens move east and west across Georgia 400," he said.

Driver Mark Scarratt told Channel 2's Mike Petchenik he welcomes the project to ease his commute.

"Sounds like a good idea, if they're going to relieve some of the congestion off of Holcomb Bridge," he said.

Acenbrak concedes that the proposals could result in demolition of some homes and apartments, but he said the city plans to negotiate with property owners before resorting to eminent domain. By one estimate, up to 28 homes could be displaced, as well as eight apartment buildings. Acenbrak said the apartment buildings are nearing the end of their life, so it's possible private developers would want to demolish them regardless of whether the road project moved forward.

"What we do is partner with business owners, property owners, stakeholders, and we look for a way to appraise properties, and then we use those appraisals as our position to begin a dialogue with them," he said.

Irv Hill told Channel 2's Mike Petchenik he's concerned his home of 14 years could be affected by the project.

"We'll take a big loss," he said of the prospect of selling his home. "We really don't know yet what the decision is."

Acenbrak said the city will hold a public meeting to update residents on the project Jan. 21.