It will be short term pain for long term gain.

Engineers are preparing for some massive shutdowns on the Northridge Road overpass on Georgia 400, shutdowns that will mean traffic tie ups and even detours for commuters.

However, if all goes as planned, the improvements will make that interchange safer and easier to navigate.

The plans are simple.  The overpass will be closed, partially, at different times over the next few years to allow GDOT workers to make fixes that are needed.

The project will provide capacity and improvements to the ramps at Northridge as well as other intersections in the area.

Drivers will see road widening along Dunwoody Place, Roberts Drive, and Somerset Court, all thoroughfares that lead to 400.

Motorists will also see better signage leading to the overpass, restriping of the bridge itself and additional lanes on Northridge Road over the highway.

They will also see additional lanes off of both directions of 400 onto Northridge to accommodate the improved traffic flow.

The shut down of part of the bridge is expected to get underway at the end of the summer, although no exact date has been determined.  The project itself is expected to be completed in a few years.  The Georgia Department of Transportation has allocated $7 million for the improvements, with the city of Sandy Springs on the hook for any costs over that amount.