Roswell roundabout project sets Saturday milestone

Engineer’s drawing depicts the multi-lane roundabout — one of Georgia’s first — being constructed at Houze and Hembree roads in Roswell. CITY OF ROSWELL

Engineer’s drawing depicts the multi-lane roundabout — one of Georgia’s first — being constructed at Houze and Hembree roads in Roswell. CITY OF ROSWELL

The transformation of Houze and Hembree roads in Roswell from a conventional signalized intersection to one of Georgia’s first multi-lane roundabouts takes a big step forward about 10 a.m. Aug. 19 as crews remove the traffic signal.

Motorists are “strongly encouraged” to use caution as new traffic patterns take effect, Roswell officials said. The crossroads will temporarily be a one-lane roundabout as contractors for the Georgia Department of Transportation add new pavement and concrete islands.

Work will continue into the fall on the second lane and road approaches, officials said. The work will be done during the daylight hours, weather permitting, and drivers may see some delays. While no road closures are planned, flaggers may be present. The two-lane roundabout is expected to be completed by year’s end.

GDOT is funding the roughly $4.4 million project. Roswell contributed $353,000 toward preliminary engineer and design and right-of-way acquisition. A multi-use trail on the south side of Hembree that will connect with an existing trail near Upper Hembree Road also is planned.