April 11, 2009

Section 2 complete - Section 3 under construction
C.W. Matthews contractor progressing into Section 3 from Killian Hill Road to Highpoint Road

C. W. Matthews has completed installation of most of the  concrete medians in Section 2 from Stone Drive to Killian Hill Road with the exception of the final stretch in front of the Publix Shopping Center and beginning January 2009 moved into Section 3 from Killian Hill Road to Highpoint Road. The transition and merge just before Killian Hill is not the final design as the contractor will install three permanent travel lanes and turn lanes at this intersection upon final completion.

The Jessica Daron / Paxton Lane extension is also now paved - removing six curb cuts from direct access to U.S. 78 and placing them on a parallel street improving safety and mobility. This is the same area the Evermore CID recently completed the installation of 2,100 feet of 8" sewer line that supported the announcement of the Evermore Urgent Care $60 million private medical development. Patrons may now travel between the Yellow River Game Ranch and Killian Hill Road without ever accessing U.S. 78 - providing additional connectivity for businesses in the area.

You most likely have also noticed the newly installed lighting crossing the vehicular bridge at the Yellow River. Illuminated in blue during the evening, the lighting draws added attention from motorists crossing the bridge improving both aesthetics and safety.

July 7, 2008

Section 1 complete - Section 2 under construction
C.W. Matthews contractor progressing into Section 2 from Stone Drive to Killian Hill Rd.

C. W. Matthews has completed installation of the concrete medians in Section 1 from East Park Place to Stone Drive and beginning July 7, 2008 is moving into Section 2 from Stone Drive to Killian Hill Road.

The same traffic control lane sequence will prevail in Section 2 -- three westbound lanes to Atlanta and two eastbound lanes to Snellville during construction. At the conclusion of the project, GDOT will provide three permanent travel lanes in each direction.

The reversible lane and light system is no longer operating from Killian Hill Road to East Park Place. Half the 7-mile corridor is now without the confusing light system.

Remaining installations in Section 1 include decorative mast arms, signals, illuminated street signs, and landscaping. Governor Perdue has issued an Executive Order preventing any planting on state projects during the drought; therefore, the timing for the installation of landscape materials is not yet determined.

June 18, 2008

Center medians installed
C. W. Matthews contractors moving rapidly through Section 1

C. W. Matthews began pouring the center median on U.S. 78 this week. Construction is progressing rapidly through Section 1 that begins at East Park Place Blvd and continues to Stone Drive. In addition to the center median, new curbing, sidewalks, and preparations for landscaping have also been completed. Subcontractors BB&H and PDP have installed advanced technology providing motorists with many opportunities to stay informed of the progress and current conditions. Visit www.78smh.com for real-time traffic information and tune to AM 1620 as you approach the construction zone for lane closures and/or incident information.

March 12, 2008

Evening Lane Closures
Eastbound right lane closed nightly from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. from East Park Place to Stone Drive

Lane closures continue evenings after 7 p.m. between East Park Place and Stone Drive eastbound. Based on the first few weeks of construction, congestion and delays are heaviest between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. beginning at the DeKalb County line and continuing to
Camp Circle headed eastbound. The typical evening rush hours from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. appear to be operating without significant delays.

Delays are made worse when motorists block the intersections preventing cross street traffic from clearing during a signal change. After several attempts to direct traffic in an effort to maintain clear intersections and numerous warning tickets, Gwinnett County Police Officers have resorted to citing motorists that block the intersections along U.S. 78 in the construction zone. Please keep all intersections clear.

February 27, 2008

Median Construction Update
Provided to Evermore CID Board - prepared by Brett Harrell, CID Executive Director

Roadway construction began Sunday evening, February 17, 2008 with the removal of the reversible lights within Section 1 from East Park Place to Stone Drive. Travel lanes were re-stripped on U.S. 78 providing three westbound lanes toward Atlanta and two eastbound lanes toward Snellville in Section 1. Construction activities required in the roadway begin at 7 p.m. and conclude by 5 a.m. daily.

The phasing plan performed well during Monday morning rush hour; however, the return commute during evening rush hour resulted in unacceptable delays – compounded by a work zone accident. Tuesday the 19^th, GDOT re-timed the signals “on-the-fly” during the evening rush hour and reduced delays. Timing adjustments will continue throughout construction to react to changing traffic patterns and to minimize congestion and delays.

Utility contractors continue working to relocate facilities outside the construction zone. All firms are clear of Section 1 with the exception of removing some non-operable equipment. In Section 2, Walton EMC is clear, Comcast will be clear by 2/29, AT&T will be clear by 3/30, AGL will be clear by 3/14, and with the exception of relocation of a water vault, DWR is clear in Section 2. GDOT has requested all utilities seed and mulch within Sections 2, 3, and 4 in disturbed areas. Several potential conflicts remain with walls, mast arms, sidewalks, etc that continue to receive attention.

Real Time Work Zone Information Systems are partially operational. The Georgia Navigator website has featured the U.S. 78 project as well as providing a link to the initial project website at http://www.78smh.com .

Landscape and streetscape issues also remain and those issues are currently under review.

Coming soon . . . illuminated street signs on U.S. 78 corridor.

February 21, 2008

DOT tweaks timing on U.S. 78
Will improve evening rush hour commute

Georgia DOT is making adjustments to the signal timing to improve the evening rush hour transition from three lanes to two lanes on U.S. 78 within the construction zone. Read more >

February 19, 2008

Median work has begun - traffic shift in place
Nightly from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m., GDOT contractors are working on U.S. 78, expect lane closures

From West Park Place to Stone Drive the roadway has been re-stripped with three westbound lanes (to Atlanta) and two eastbound lanes (to Snellville). These lanes will remain throughout construction until such time as the median is installed.

The right, eastbound lane from West Park Place to Stone Drive will be closed nightly from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m.

Channel 46 News Video:  http://www.cbs46.com/video/15339385/index.html

February 13, 2008

Roadwork begins Sunday, Feb. 17 on U.S. 78
Reversible lanes coming down in Section 1 from West Park Place to Stone Drive

The Georgia DOT announces roadway work will begin overnight beginning Sunday, February 17 on the project to remove the reversible lane system and widen US 78 in Gwinnett County. Read more >

October 12, 2007

Georgia DOT Clear Zone
Please keep right-of-way clear

Businesses: Please maintain a clear zone free of any obstructions between the pink flags / pink paint and U.S. 78. Any remaining signs, light poles, or other obstructions marked with a blue flag / blue paint must be removed and may be removed by the contractor at any time without further notice.

October 3, 2007

Community questions about U.S. 78 construction activities
The Evermore CID appreciates your continued support

Members of the community surrounding the Highway 78 construction project have asked several good questions about the progress.
We have attempted to provide answers and will update the Q&A sheet periodically as progress continues.

Community Q&A about the U.S. 78 construction project

September 18, 2007

Georgia DOT Median Safety Project Information Sheets
Project and corridor fact sheets

The Georgia Department of Transportation has prepared two brief fact sheets for the median project and the U.S. 78 corridor.

Project Fact Sheet  pdf file

Corridor Information  pdf file

Georgia DOT Median Safety Project Update
We've 'cut the cord' to mark the beginning of the project.

Nearly one hundred attended the ceremonial 'cutting of the cord' to begin the U.S. 78 safety median project on Friday, September 14, 2007. The importance of this project was demonstrated by those in attendance: Federal representatives from U.S. Sen. Chambliss, Sen. Isakson, and Congressman Linder; at the State level representatives of Lt. Governor Cagle, Sen. Butler, Sen. Henson, Rep. Everson, and Rep. Cox; from the County Commissioners Beaudreau and Greene; and representing several nearby cities Snellville Mayor Oberholtzer, Lilburn Mayor Bolton, Norcross Mayor Webb, Snellville Council Member Kautz, and Lawrenceville Council Member Johnson. The event also attracted numerous representatives from the Georgia and Gwinnett DOT, consultants, and two former DOT Commissioners Moreland and Shackelford.

Most importantly, many local business owners and citizens attended in support of a project that will change the future of our community. At completion, the Evermore community will be safer, less congested, and more attractive. The Evermore CID thanks all those that have worked so hard to make this project a reality.

September 7, 2007

Georgia DOT Median Safety Project Update
Clearing begins September 17, 2007

Contractors will begin clearing the right-of-way on the south side of U.S. 78 from East Park Place to Stone Drive on September 17. Any remaining signs, lighting, or other obstructions are declared abandoned and are subject to removal by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

All utility companies continue working throughout the corridor relocating their facilities. Please keep in mind this is a CONSTRUCTION ZONE. Slow down, be alert for utility and/or construction vehicles and workers to insure safety at all times.

GDOT Press Release: Site work starts Wednesday, 12th and Groundbreaking Ceremony Friday, 14th

August 8, 2007

June 1, 2007

Georgia DOT Median Safety Project Update
C.W. Matthews awarded contract at $31.5 million for construction

The Georgia Department of Transportation has completed final plans for the U.S. 78 safety median project that will remove the reversible lane and light system and replace it with a landscaped median. GDOT opened bids for the project on Friday, May 18, 2007 and awarded the contract on Friday, June 1, 2007 to C.W. Matthews Contracting Company the low bidder with a construction cost of just under $31.5 million. Georgia DOT has authorized Walton Electric and others to proceed with utility relocation efforts -- that work may be underway any day.

Including the cost of right-of-way acquisition, engineering and construction, the U.S. 78 median safety project is approaching $60 million and is the largest project in the history of the Traffic Safety and Design division of the Georgia Department of Transportation. Many of the enhancements and improvements included in this project would not have been possible without the tremendous cooperation of GDOT and the support of Senator Johnny Isakson and Congressman John Linder. Additional partners improving the final design and benefit of the project include the Gwinnett DOT, Senator Saxby Chambliss, Congressman David Scott, and Congressman Lynn Westmoreland.

Please find below a brief list of details contained in the final plan documents for the U.S. 78 project:

U.S. 78 Corridor Details

• Urban Principal Arterial roadway classification
• 2007 Average Daily Trips = 69,060
• Projected 2027 Average Daily Trips = 95,610
• 24 hour truck traffic = 3%
• 45 mph design speed
• 17% of project within corporate limits of Snellville

Construction Details

• Project length 6.65 miles all within Gwinnett County and the 7th Congressional District
• Construction staging in four (4) phases:
    - East Park Place to Stone Drive
    - Stone Drive to Killian Hill Road
    - Killian Hill Road to Highpoint Road
    - Highpoint Road to S.R. 124
• No more than two phases under construction at any time.
• 15 signalized intersections with decorative black, fluted posts and mast arms
• Re-synchronization and timing of all signals from East Park Place to S.R. 84
• 8 additional median openings
• Reversible lanes maintained during construction outside the construction zone
• Within construction zone, lanes are re-stripped to provide 3 westbound lanes and 2 eastbound lanes with a center turn lane
• Ingress and Egress shall be maintained to all properties during construction
• Three permanent travel lanes (10 foot width) in each direction at the completion of construction
• Numerous right and left turn decel lanes throughout the corridor
• Much of the work completed during evening and off-peak hours
• Construction complete by October 31, 2009.

Communication during construction

• 5 Dynamic Changeable Message Signs
• 2 Highway Advisory Radio beacons (you will be able to tune to an AM radio station for construction updates)
• Email and Website construction updates
• 500 hours of additional law enforcement and traffic control

Enhancements

• Technology: 8 Closed Circuit TV Cameras, 8 Radar Detection Devices, new Fiber Optic Cable -- all looped back to the newly installed signals to improve synchronization, flow, and congestion management during construction and beyond
• Landscaping: 222 various trees; 11,843 various shrubs; 10,452 various groundcover; 3,764 various annuals; planted medians where width permits
• Signage: 65 internally illuminated street name signs at all cross streets
• Sidewalks: 5 foot wide, 4" thick sidewalks the length of U.S. 78 on both sides of the roadway
• Jessica Daron Court extension: Construction during phase 2 of a parallel roadway connecting the Yellow River Game Ranch to Jessica Daron Court. This project removes six curb cuts from direct access to U.S. 78 and provides improved safety, mobility, and access to a number of businesses as well as residents.
• Streetscapes: Decorative trash receptacles and benches along the corridor and enhanced lighting at the Yellow River Bridge crossing.

News articles:

Do medians affect your shopping decision?

Work to begin soon on U.S. 78 project

GDOT to accept bids for U.S. Highway 78 median project

Highway 78 median bids due May 18, 2007

Many more details to come.