Cherokee OKs $400K to unsnarl I-575 interchanges

The interchanges of I-575 at Towne Lake and Ridgewalk parkways in Woodstock will be the subjects of “scoping” studies to determine improvements that could relieve traffic back-ups. GOOGLE MAPS

The interchanges of I-575 at Towne Lake and Ridgewalk parkways in Woodstock will be the subjects of “scoping” studies to determine improvements that could relieve traffic back-ups. GOOGLE MAPS

Cherokee County commissioners have awarded two design contracts valued at nearly $400,000 total for improvements to the I-575 interchanges of Towne Lake and Ridgewalk parkways in Woodstock.

Moreland Altobelli Associates is tasked with the “scoping” phase of the projects, the next step after preliminary studies completed in the fall of 2016.

The consultant “will expand upon that original study and develop an approved concept report and environmental document for the project,” Geoffrey E. Morton, community development agency director, said in a report to commissioners. Federal funds will cover 80 percent of scoping costs.

Towne Lake lacks capacity for vehicles exiting southbound I-575 and turning right, and for eastbound Towne Lake traffic turning left onto northbound I-575, Morton said. Ridgewalk similarly lacks capacity for northbound vehicles exiting I-575 and turning right, and for westbound Ridgewalk traffic turning left to go south on I-575.

Improvements could include widened ramps and lengthened turn lanes.