BROOKHAVEN, Ga. — Work to overhaul a large section of North Druid Hills Road will eventually involve a seldom-used traffic technique that will separate some drivers from congestion and conflict.
Crews continue to demolish an old bridge between I-85 and Buford Highway. Once the bridge over North Fork Peachtree Creek is replaced, Georgia Department of Transportation crews will move to the interchange of North Druid Hills and I-85. Plans there call for a Displaced Left Turn that will impact drivers turning onto I-85 south.
Several years ago, GDOT installed a Displaced Left Turn at Highway 78 and State Road 124 in Snellville. At Da Bomb Barber Shop nearby, Randy Pollard has watched drivers struggle to grow accustomed to the change.
“People who are from here around this area are aware of it, but people who are just passing through it’s confusing,” said Pollard.
Normally, making a left turn means waiting for an opening in oncoming traffic. A Displaced Left allows drivers to safely cross traffic before the intersection and then use their own lane separate from other traffic to turn.
North Druid Hills Road and I-85 will join intersections in Snellville and Dawson County with displaced lefts. Others are planned in Fayette and Douglas County.
“Designs like this minimize those conflict points that create crashes,” said GDOT’s Natalie Dale.
The design on North Druid Hills Road will separate left-turning traffic onto a brand-new bridge over the interstate.
“It will be two lanes and it will be completely dedicated to the left turning community,” said Dale.
In Snellville, Randy Pollard has had time to get used to the change near his barbershop. He regularly sees others who are still adjusting to the traffic more drivers will soon experience.