Politics & Government

Test Drive the "Diverging Diamond" Interchange

For Peachtree Corners commuters who use the I-285 and Ashford Dunwoody interchange, you can take a test drive on the new alignment at Perimeter Mall May 19 on a golf cart before it opens.

Wondering how to drive through the "Diverging Diamond" interchange being built at I-285 and Ashford Dunwoody Road?

You're in luck. You can give it a test run in a golf cart.

On May 19, the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts will host the test drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Perimeter Mall parking lot at Ashford Dunwoody Road and Perimeter Center West.

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Golf carts will be on hand to be driven on a track that will simulate on a "windshield level." All that's needed is a current driver's license.

β€œWe want to inform the many employees, residents and visitors to Perimeter who use the I-285 and Ashford Dunwoody interchange about this innovative new design, which shifts the flow of traffic to the opposite side of the road to reduce points of traffic conflict,” said Yvonne Williams, CEO and president of the PCIDs.

View a video that demonstrates the new alignment.

The new alignment at the I-285 interchange is expected to be completed early this summer, according to the latest estimates. The newly configured interchange is expected to improve traffic delays in the evening rush hours by up to 20 percent.

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When construction is complete, the new road configuration will have drivers shift to the "wrong side of the road" as they approach either side of the bridge. Drivers heading to I-285 westbound will turn directly onto a ramp without having to cross on-coming traffic. Drivers heading straight through the interchange will have the option of turning on to I-285 eastbound and then would return to the "right side of the road" after crossing the bridge.

The project was initiated by the PCIDs through funding from DeKalb County and the state road and tollway authority. The Georgia Department of Transportation is funding the $4.6 million construction cost.


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