The widening of chronically congested Scenic Highway is still several years away, but state officials are starting the planning process — and they're hoping to hear residents' thoughts about the project.
The Georgia Department of Transportation is particularly interested in receiving input from low-income and minority communities along the key Gwinnett County corridor.
"This would also include help in identifying neighborhood leaders and minority groups or associations located throughout the affected communities within the project's area of potential effect," GDOT wrote in a letter to the city of Snellville, an excerpt of which was posted online. "We would like to be certain that these communities are recognized and given the opportunity to fully participate and provide meaningful input in the project development process."
The project will involve widening Scenic Highway (a.k.a. Ga. 124) from four lanes to six between U.S. 78 and Sugarloaf Parkway. The 4.5-mile stretch sees as many as 60,000 cars a day.
A specific timetable for the project remains unclear. Gwinnett DOT director Alan Chapman told the AJC last year that it was slotted for "the 2024 to 2030 period."
The project will likely require significant right-of-way acquisition.
Nevertheless, GDOT has started the project development process and is evaluating the project’s potential environmental, economic and social impacts.
Residents can share thoughts with Snellville public information officer Brian Arrington at barrington@snellville.org.
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