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Relief coming to congested scenic highway

Snellville and Lawrenceville drivers will be getting some relief, eventually, when it comes to traffic on a busy roadway that connects the two cities.

The Gwinnett Commission has approved a contract with an engineering firm to come up with a plan to widen Scenic Highway, from U.S. 78 to Sugarloaf Parkway, from four to six lanes.

“If you go up and down Scenic Highway anytime of any day, except after dark, it is a traffic nightmare,” says District Four Commissioner John Heard.

He tells WSB’s Sandra Parrish he has pushed for several years to widen the busy roadway.

The commission took the first step Tuesday by approving the nearly $5 million contract.

Gwinnett Transportation Director Alan Chapman says between 55,000 and 60,000 cars travel the section from U.S. 78 to Ronald Reagan Parkway every day. Up to 45,000 travel the stretch daily closer to Sugarloaf Parkway.

“It really is one of the most congested roads in the county and really in the region as well,” he says.

But Chapman says relief may still be several years away. He says once the design is completed, they will have a better idea of a timeline which will also have to include purchase of significant right-away along the nearly 5-mile stretch.

Funding for the engineering plan comes from the 2017 SPLOST funds with state and federal money available as well.

The widening can’t come soon enough for Kyna Hubbard who regularly drives from her home in Lawrenceville to Snellville for shopping.

“It’s needed because at a certain time after 3pm, it’s just jam-packed like downtown Atlanta,” she says.

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