Crunch at Glenridge Connector exit for drivers merging from I-285 to GA-400

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — UPDATE: Here's updated guidance from GDOT on navigating this area:

• Currently those driving I-285 westbound to Glenridge Connector should utilize SR 400 SB Exit 2 Roswell RD / Buckhead and get back on SR 400 NB to take Exit 3 to Glenridge Connector.
• In the final configuration, there will be a slip ramp for motorists to exit from I-285 westbound to Glenridge Connector. Once the SR 400 southbound lane configurations are finalized this summer (July timeframe) the lanes will be separated out. That slip ramp that will allow the 285 WB to 400 SB traffic to access Glenridge Connector without having to cross multiple lanes of traffic.

 Original story below

Drivers navigating the extensive work being done where I-285 and GA-400 converge in Sandy Springs appear to be coming upon a particular problem with how I-285 gets drivers onto GA-400.

As a picture taken by 11Alive's Doug Richards on Monday shows, the issue pops up as the two highways merge just before Johnson Ferry Road.

RELATED: 'This maneuvering cannot be done' | GDOT discourages drivers from dangerously merging by I-285, GA-400

Take a look - if you're coming off the long, elevated I-285 exit ramp from I-285 West to GA-400 South, you have only a short space to try and merge over to the right to take the Glenridge Connector exit.

It appears new barriers put up in that spot almost virtually eliminate the room to make that changeover - but drivers are still trying.

When drivers are in the I-285 East exit/GA-400 South entrance lane, and try to hit that opening, they have to cross through both of the existing GA-400 South lanes, causing a problematic crunch that can involve stopping the GA-400 South traffic entirely.

Part of the problem is in the layout of GA-400. Even though the Glenridge Connector ramp doesn't actually break off until a ways down the road, the exit lane for the connector and GA-400 split. If you don't get to it at Johnson Ferry Road, you don't get to it at all. 

11Alive has reached out to the Georgia Department of Transportation for clarification on changes being made in this area and how - or if - drivers from I-285 are supposed to navigate to Glenridge.

In the meantime, let us know at news@11alive.com if you're seeing anything pop up here.