New bridge to improve pedestrian and bike access at North Point Mall

ajc.com

Credit: Andria Brooks

Credit: Andria Brooks

ajc.com

Credit: Andria Brooks

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Credit: Andria Brooks

A $17 million bridge replacement project under way near North Point Mall in Alpharetta will improve bicycle and pedestrian access in the busy commercial area and link outdoor enthusiasts into the Big Creek Greenway trail.

The old, two-lane Encore Parkway bridge was torn out, and a wider, longer bridge is going up in its stead. The new roadway between Westside Parkway and North Point Parkway will include two 14-foot travel lanes, two 6-foot-wide bike lanes and a raised median with plantings in the center. The shoulders will also be widened to 18 feet, to include a 6-foot buffer planter strip and an 8-foot sidewalk.

The new design will accommodate future plans to widen Ga. 400.

ajc.com

Credit: Andria Brooks

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Credit: Andria Brooks

A new sidewalk to be added along the east side of North Point Parkway will also connect the bike and pedestrian facilities on the bridge to the existing Big Creek Greenway trail and parking area. The Big Creek Greenway is a multi-use path that winds through Roswell, Alpharetta and South Forsyth County.

Construction on the new bridge started in January. It should open to traffic by summer 2017. The project also includes new traffic signal upgrades and timing.

The project is being paid for with a mix of funding from the state and federal government, the city of Alpharetta, Fulton County, and the North Fulton Community Improvement District.

ajc.com

Credit: Andria Brooks

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Credit: Andria Brooks