Construction Schedule for Diverging Diamond Interchange on I-85

Construction for the diverging diamond interchange (DDI) on the Jimmy Carter Boulevard bridge at I-85 in Norcross has been well underway since March, but it hasn't caused any major traffic stalls yet.

The Gwinnett Village CID released an overview detailing the construction schedule for the DDI project through March 2014, which is when the interchange is expected to be completed.

The new DDI design uses the existing bridge more efficiently by switching traffic to the left to allow smooth turns onto the interstate. Pedestrians also will use a new walkway in the median. Read more on the project here.

Check out the construction details below. The community improvement district reminds locals that the schedule is subject to change depending on weather and other conditions.

May 2013 – June 2013
Construction activities on the South side of Jimmy Carter Blvd. for stage 1. These activities include utility relocations, clearing, roadway and bridge widening, drainage, temporary lane shifts, barrier walls and temporary traffic signal work. Pedestrians will be permitted to cross on the North side of Jimmy Carter Blvd. Temporary signage will be installed to guide pedestrians.

July 2013 – September 2013
Construction of stage 2 will be focusing on the North side of Jimmy Carter Blvd. This will include clearing, roadway and bridge widening, drainage, temporary lane shifts, barrier walls and temporary and permanent traffic signal work. During this stage pedestrians will not be permitted to cross Jimmy Carter Blvd. and will be required to use the plan pedestrian detour. Temporary signage will be installed to guide pedestrians. Advance warning of the pedestrian detour will be provided to stakeholders and the public.

October 2013 – December 2013
Stage 3 Construction includes permanent traffic shift configuration, traffic signals, fencing, pedestrian facilities and ATMS installation. Pedestrians will still be detoured in this stage until center walkways are completed. Temporary signage will be installed to guide pedestrians through the detour.

December 2013 – March 2014
Stage 4 Construction includes final asphalt paving, permanent striping, signs, concrete islands, sidewalks and decorative lighting. Pedestrian traffic on the bridge will be re-opened in its final center configuration.

During one full weekend, the bridge will be closed to all through traffic. Right turn access to and from the interstate will not be impacted. A detailed detour plan will be in place to minimize impacts. The date of the closure, crossover and detour will be shared with area stakeholders and the public in advance. For safety reasons, pedestrian traffic on the bridge will be prohibited for at least one month following the crossover of traffic while the pedestrian
walkways are completed.

Source: The Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District

See also:

• Video: Diverging Diamond Interchange at Jimmy Carter Bridge
• Diverging Diamond Construction to Begin at Jimmy Carter
• Weekend Work Planned for Jimmy Carter Bridge This Weekend