Roswell Rd/Abernathy Rd Intersection Short Range Improvements

Description: Safety improvements at the intersection of Roswell Road and Abernathy Road. Improvements include signalizing right-turn movements, installing barrier separation between through traffic and left-turn lanes, and shortening medians to allow easier and safer turning movements. This is a joint project between the City and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). GDOT is responsible for project construction.

Status: Construction was expected to begin in early 2022.

Background

This intersection had the fourth-highest crash rate in Sandy Springs based on 2017 crash data and traffic volumes.

The study focused on Roswell Road and Abernathy Road, adjacent intersections, and a segment of Roswell Road.
A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued in September 2019.
An original contract was awarded to Kimley-Horn for crash analysis.
A change order approved on September 15, 2020 expanded the scope to include design of short-term intersection improvements and evaluation of long-range intersection improvement alternatives.

Design of Short-Term Improvements

Signal design for the westbound right-turn movement
Modification of the east-leg median nose
Simplification of overhead and roadside signage on the southbound Roswell Road approach
Installation of a raised concrete median on the southbound Roswell Road approach between through and left-turn lanes
New pavement markings and striping at the southbound right-turn movement
Conversion of the southern Publix driveway to right-in/right-out access only, including closure of the median opening

Public Involvement

An online public meeting was held on March 22, 2021.

Short-Term Improvements

The City submitted six short-term improvements to GDOT for Quick Response funding in two separate packages because funding was limited to $200,000 per package.

Package 1

Completion date: March 22, 2022
Contractor: Reedwick

Signalization of the westbound channelized right-turn movement
Modification of the east-leg median nose
Roadway edge adjustments along Abernathy Road at the northwest corner, including restriping and removal of existing island striping

Package 2

A virtual public meeting was held on March 22, 2021, with public comments accepted from March 22–29.

Due to public feedback regarding Project 6, which proposed extending the median across the southern Publix driveway, the City withdrew Project 6 from Package 2 because of project timing considerations.

Package 2 included the following improvements:

Simplified overhead signage on the southbound approach
Installation of barrier separation between the southbound through and left-turn lanes

Short-Term Improvements – Package 1

GDOT awarded Project No. S015568 to contractor Reedwick for $79,799.

Short-Term Improvements – Package 2

GDOT awarded a contract to C&S Paving, Inc. for $183,555.

Short-Term Project 6: Extend Median Across Southern Publix Driveway

Twenty-five crashes occurred over five years, including right-angle and pedestrian crashes.
Restricted sight distance was identified as a concern.
GDOT has jurisdiction over this location.
Abernathy Square Shopping Center hired Lee Group Consulting to pursue signalization of the southern driveway.

City staff met with representatives from Lee Group Consulting, Retail Planning Corp., and GDOT on October 25, 2021.
Retail Planning Corp. agreed to conduct a traffic engineering study for submission to GDOT.

Evaluation of Long-Range Improvement Alternatives

Alternatives under evaluation included:

Northbound and southbound displaced left turns (DLT)
Southbound displaced left turn with northbound through U-turn
Southbound displaced left turn with quadrant roadway

More information: Short-Term Improvements (PDF opens in new tab)