One Gwinnett city has big plans for its stretch of Buford Highway

Construction plans for Buford Highway in Suwanee include a roundabout at the intersection of Buford Highway and Russell Street. Courtesy City of Suwanee

Construction plans for Buford Highway in Suwanee include a roundabout at the intersection of Buford Highway and Russell Street. Courtesy City of Suwanee

One Gwinnett city has an $11 million vision for its short stretch of Buford Highway — and the wheels of progress are starting to turn.

The city of Suwanee recently detailed on Facebook the work expected to begin this fall on a roughly 1.6-mile portion of Buford Highway, which runs from McGinnis Ferry Road, past its Town Center to George Pierce Park.

The plans include:

  • A 10-foot-wide greenway on the east side of the highway between McGinnis Ferry Road and Russell Street;
  • A roundabout at Russell Street;
  • Sidewalks, on-street parallel parking, dedicated bike lanes, treets, benches and "pedestrian scale lighting" along most of the stretch of highway;
  • and "minimized curb cuts and travel lanes reduced in width to help moderate vehicular speeds and increase safety."

The goal, officials said, is to create a safer road that can also handle the same traffic load and make things more comfortable for pedestrians.

The project is a joint effort between Suwanee and the Georgia Department of Transportation, and grant funding will pay for about half of the $11 million price tag, officials said.

Work is expected to be complete by the first quarter of 2019.

Read more about the project in the Facebook post below.

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