Big changes could be coming to one of the busiest interchanges in the eastern suburbs.
State authorities are beginning to try and buy land for a new design for the intersection of Highway 78 and Scenic Highway in Snellville.
The state told Channel 2's Tony Thomas it could take up to two years to acquire all the property it needs for the continuous flow intersection, or CFI as it's called.
Opinions are mixed on whether the new interchange will improve traffic, but everyone agrees the short term will be painful.
Susan Kraus had quite a reaction when she learned of the state plans for the very busy intersection. She says traffic is bad enough without months on end of construction.
"I get aggravated. I start getting mad. I do, because it's ridiculous," Kraus told Thomas.
The state Department of Transportation is just beginning negotiations to begin buying all the land it would need to add extra lanes.
In a continuous flow interchange, the left and right turn lanes cross over, similar to a diverging diamond design, to allow both directions to turn at the same time. The goal is to ease backups
"I think it will be alright once people get used to it," Dustin Cooper said.
To make room for the new traffic patterns, Bryan Duren's Tire Depot may be forced to move.
"It's hard to talk about. You just don't know what to do. You just don't know day to day," Duren said.
Duren says plans call for at least two other buildings across the street to go as well. Easements could be bought from as many as 50 commercial properties.
"Something needs to be done, but you never know about your business. I mean, I'd rather have my business," Duren said.
Official say once the work begins, it could take another two years of construction.
"I will avoid this area, because it's going to be awful," Kraus said.
The intersection will be the second continuous flow interchange in the state. Another one is already under construction in Dawson County.
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