The Johns Creek City Council has given staff the green light to move on to the $2.2 million right-of-way acquisition phase for the intersection improvement project at Barnwell and Holcomb Bridge roads.

Nine property acquisitions will be necessary, though in each case, only a portion or strip of land will be needed, Assistant Public Works Director Chris Haggard said in an agenda report to the council. Staff will enter into a contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation to purchase the needed rights of way and easements.

The contract with GDOT calls for reimbursement of up to $1.6 million in federal funds, with the local portion $400,000, Haggard said. Professional services also are the city’s responsibility and are estimated to be $200,000. The city’s $600,000 total cost will be covered by the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.