Roswell Road closed between Powers Ferry and Lower Roswell

Roswell Road closed, 9.4.19

Marietta Police sent out this message a little after 3:30 this afternoon:

Roswell Road is closed between Powers Ferry Road and Lower Roswell Road due to a downed power pole.

The downed power lines are blocking all lanes of traffic and repair crews are on the scene.

Suggested alternate routes include the Marietta Loop.

We’ll update when we get more information.

 

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Traffic alert: Interstate North Parkway closure through Friday

Interstate North Parkway closed
Cobb Govt. photo

UPDATED THURSDAY, 5:05 P.M.

Here’s what Cobb commissioner Bob Ott’s office released just a little while ago:

The break was on our 12-inch line that connected directly to the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority’s 48-inch line. It was determined that we do not need this connection, so our repair eliminated the connection to the Water Authority’s line. Water was restored to 400 Interstate North Parkway around 7:45 p.m. last night. The line we repaired yesterday began leaking today. We have a crew onsite now to resolve the problem.

The CCMWA expects their contractor to complete this work by 6 p.m. today. This work does not affect our customers.

The road remains closed, but there is access to the 400 building. CW Matthews will repair the road tonight after the CCMWA’s contractor finishes his work. Road work should be finished tomorrow between 6 a.m. and noon.

ORIGINAL REPORT, WEDNESDAY, 4:35 P.M.

If you commute to and from this part of the Cumberland area be advised: A massive water main break has forced the closure of a portion of Interstate North Parkway until at least midday Friday.

Cobb officials released the above photo of the gushing break in front of the 400 Interstate Parkway North building. That’s near Cumberland Boulevard and the newly opened Bob Callan Trail extension, and in a heavily traveled corridor of office parks.

They said water service is shut off only to this one building. Here’s more of what was released around 4 p.m. Wednesday:

Work to repair the water main break at 400 Interstate North Parkway near Cumberland Blvd will take longer than initially thought. Crews will not be able to get in to repair the roadway until later Thursday.

  • Interstate North Parkway will remain CLOSED between Cumberland and Powers Ferry until midday FRIDAY;
  • Cobb DOT has arranged traffic flow so there is access to all businesses in the area.

For enlarged view of map and updates click here.

Interstate North Parkway closure

 

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Georgia gas prices continue falling as Labor Day holiday approaches

Georgia gas prices Labor Day

Information submitted by AAA Georgia:

Labor Day is quickly approaching and gas prices for the holiday weekend are lining up to be the lowest in 2-3 years. However, there are still a number of factors that could push prices higher before the holiday. 

Today, the average price for gasoline in Georgia is $2.42 per gallon. Drivers are currently paying 28 cents less than they did on Labor Day 2018 ($2.70) and 27 cents less than on Labor Day 2017 ($2.69).

“Labor Day travelers will benefit from lower oil prices this year as they fill up for their holiday road trip,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Strong US oil production rates are holding oil prices about 15% below last year’s levels, effectively reducing the price of producing gasoline. Gas prices should remain low heading into the holiday, unless something unexpected threatens fuel supplies, like geopolitical tensions or a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico.”

Labor Day marks the end of the busy summer travel season, and the last big surge in gasoline demand before the fall. The expectation of strong demand can promote a slight and temporary bump at the pump before the holiday. However, after Labor Day, refineries begin their seasonal switch to winter-blend gasoline. Summer-blend gasoline is more expensive to produce than winter-blend, because the EPA requires more additives in the hotter months of the year. The combination of lower demand and fuel production costs typically restores downward pressure on pump prices through the end of the year. 

 

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East Cobb traffic alert: Mabry Road closed north of Shallowford

Mabry Road closed

A gas main break has shut down Mabry Road north of Shallowford Road Wednesday afternoon.

That’s coming from Cobb government and Cobb DOT, which said it’s not known yet how long the closure may last.

Suggested detours: Chimney Lake Drive between Mabry Road and Johnson Ferry and Wesley Chapel Road from Shallowford Road to Sandy Plains Road.

We’ll update when we find out more.

 

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Sandy Plains Road northbound lane closures begin Monday

Sandy Plains Road lane closures

The next phase of the Sandy Plains Road improvement project continues Monday, and it’s going to make a congested stretch just above Piedmont Road even more bottlenecked. That’s because road closures will be in effect for water relocation work.

That’s the word coming late Friday afternoon from Cobb government, which issued a “significant traffic advisory” for northbound lanes between Ebenezer Road and Post Oak Tritt Road.

One northbound lane will be closed between 6 am. and 3 p.m. daily for an indefinite time.

Earlier this week Cobb commissioners approved a change order to delay completion of the project to December (it was supposed to have wrapped up in July) due to utility relocation and weather issues.

The delay won’t cost any extra money, but will result in a few months’ more worth of traffic headaches for motorists.

 

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East Cobb traffic alert: Lower Roswell-Sope Creek bridge work this weekend

Lower Roswell-Sope Creek bridge work

Cobb commissioner Bob Ott’s office sent out what it’s calling a “significant traffic advisory” this weekend for the ongoing repair work on Lower Roswell Road at the Sope Creek Bridge. Lane closures will be taking place during Friday and Saturday overnight periods:

“Beginning 7 p.m., Friday through 6 a.m., Saturday and from 7 p.m., Saturday through 6 a.m., Sunday, expect heavy delays. Two lanes will be closed with only one lane open to traffic. Flagging operations will be in place. 

“This project consists of the rehabilitation of the existing bridge located on Lower Roswell Road over Sope Creek. Repairs include resealing the bridge joints, replacement of drainage structures, patching the existing concrete, leveling/stabilization of the approach slab, and installation of polymer overlay. This project is scheduled to be completed August 2019.”

Related stories

 

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Completion of Sandy Plains Road improvement project delayed

Sandy Plains Road improvements
Construction work along Sandy Plains Road between Piedmont Road and Ebenezer Road began last summer.

The Sandy Plains Road improvements that continue between Piedmont Road and Ebenezer Road were expected to be finished next month. But that work may not be done until December.

Cobb DOT has an agenda item on next Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting asking for a change order to extend the work until Dec. 20. There is no additional cost involved.

The reasons are similar to what’s prompted a delay in finishing the roundabout at Post Oak Tritt Road and Hembree Road: Utility relocation issues with Atlanta Gas Light and inclement weather.

That project was to have been done by now, at the start of a new school year, but has been extended to next March.

The Sandy Plains Road project has had some other delays as well, not mentioned in Tuesday’s agenda item: In May there was an overnight shutdown of Sandy Plains at Ebenezer for emergency repairs due to a water main break caused by a construction truck hitting a fire hydrant.

There also was an overnight water outage on one side of Sandy Plains last month as part of the construction work.

The contract for the $4.4 million Sandy Plains construction project approved by commissioners in 2017 was awarded to C.W. Matthews Contracting Company, Inc., and includes a raised median, new crosswalks and pedestrian signals and resurfacing.

More on Tuesday’s commissioners meeting, which starts at 9 a.m. in the 2nd floor board room of the Cobb government building (100 Cherokee St., downtown Marietta):

Related story

 

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East Cobb traffic alert: Woodstock Road closed at Mabry Road

Woodstock Road at Mabry Road closed
Georgia 511 photo

A car crash Sunday night brought down power lines at the intersection of Woodstock Road and Mabry Road in northeast Cobb, and that juncture will remain closed for most of today.

That’s the word from Cobb DOT, which issued that message and the above photo a little after 9 this morning.

Woodstock Road is also known as State Highway 92, and the stretch of it between Mabry and Sandy Plains Road goes past the Sandy Plains Village Shopping Centre.

Both northbound and southbound traffic on Woodstock Road is being diverted southbound onto Mabry, since the power lines are down across all lanes on Woodstock.

As you can see, the Monday morning commute has already been affected, and you’re being asked to find an alternative if you travel in that area today, especially for the afternoon rush.

For now the estimated time of reopening the intersection is between 3-5 p.m. Monday.

 

 

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East Cobb traffic reminder: Dog Days Run is Saturday morning

Dog Days Run, East Cobb traffic

A few major East Cobb roads will be closed off to traffic for a brief time Saturday morning for the 14th annual Dog Days Run.

The 5K race starts and ends at the McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA (1055 E. Piedmont Road) at 7:30 a.m., and continues east along Sewell Mill Road, south on Old Canton Road, west along Roswell and back onto East Piedmont. See map below for details.

Most of the runners/joggers/walkers should be done between 8:30 and 9 a.m.

The event, which includes awards to top finishers, prizes, a bounce house for kids, vendors, food and music, is a main fundraiser for the Rotary Club of East Cobb, with proceeds going to a variety of community organizations.

Also on Saturday morning is the Lutzie 43 Road Race, which starts at 8 a.m. and takes place entirely on the campus of Lassiter High School (2601 Shallowford Road). It’s named after former Lassiter and Auburn football star Philip Lutzenkirchen and benefits the foundation his family started in his memory to help young people make good decisions.

If you’re interested in taking part in either event, there is race-day registration onsite, or you can sign up online today for the Dog Days Run.

Dog Days Run course, East Cobb traffic

 

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Mabry Road water main replacement to begin in August

Mabry Road water main replacement

If you live along the Mabry Road area, or use it, brace yourselves for the next eight months. The long-awaited water main replacement project is beginning in early August.

It’s going to replace most of the existing aging line along Mabry, starting around 500 feet below Woodstock Road and all the way down to Shallowford Road, except for a small stretch of Mabry between Loch Highland Parkway and Outpost Court (as noted by the red star; see the map inset below).

A new line has already gone in there, and it will soon be connected by replacement lines totalling 13,600 feet. An eight-inch pipe will run from Shallowford to Loch Highland Parkway, and a new six-inch line will be installed from Huntridge Drive to 4540 Mabry Road.

Commissioner Bob Ott’s office sent out word Friday that construction south of the dam at Loch Highland will be on the west side of Mabry, in the shoulder and turn lanes.

North of the dam, the work will be on the east side under the sidewalk. At times, that sidewalk will be closed as the new lines are installed.

Mabry Road water main replacement

No pipes will be laid in the travel lanes along Mabry, but there will be occasional lane closures. Those generally will take place Monday-Friday from 9-4 or as otherwise publicized.

Ott’s office also said there may be some brief water outages in subdivision along or served by the Mabry lines and that he will put out notices and have signs in the area with details when that happens.

The work is tentatively scheduled for completion by the end of February 2020.

The $2.575 million project (fact sheet here) is being funded out of Cobb Water System Agency revenues. The contractor is Wade Coots Co. of Hiram.

 

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Sandy Plains Road construction work includes Thursday overnight water outage

Sandy Plains Road water outage

Commissioner JoAnn Birrell’s office is getting out word today that water service will be out for a portion of the Sandy Plains Road area between Ebenezer Road and East Piedmont Road late Thursday night and into early Friday morning for water main repairs.

That’s the area where road construction work has been underway for some months.

From 11 p.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Friday, water service will be shut off on the east side of Sandy Plains (indicated by the blue line in the map) for crews to install a new valve on the existing water main in front of the McDonald’s (at the intersection of Sandy Plains and Post Oak Tritt Road).

Most of that area is commercial or institutional entities, most of which will be closed by then.

At the same time, according to the message sent out today, northbound lane closures on Sandy Plains will be in effect. The best alternates if you’re out and about during that time are Canton Road and Holly Springs Road.

The $4.4 million Sandy Plains construction project approved by commissioners in 2017 includes a raised median, new crosswalks and pedestrian signals and resurfacing.

Back in May the Sandy Plains-Ebenezer intersection was shut down for hours after a water main break that required emergency repairs. An East Cobb News reader said she saw a truck involved in the construction work striking a hydrant.

The project is expected to be completed by the fall.

 

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Akers Mill Road ramp to I-75 express lanes gets final $5M funding push

Akers Mill Road ramp
A rendering of the Akers Mill Road ramp to the I-75 managed lanes, via the Cumberland Community Improvement District.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is providing the final $5 million in funding to construct a ramp connecting Akers Mill Road to the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes.

The $5 million grant is from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America’s Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects (INFRA) program, and is the final funding component of the nearly $44 million project.

That money has come from state, local and other federal funding sources as well as the nearby Cumberland Community Improvement District

(Info sheet here from the Cumberland CID.)

The 29.7-mile express lanes opened late last summer along I-75 between an area just north of Akers Mill and Hickory Grove Road in north Cobb, and along I-575 in Cobb to Sixes Road in Cherokee County.

Georgia DOT estimates nearly 4.2 million trips along the toll lanes have been taken since they opened.

Drivers in the Akers Mill area who wish to use the managed lanes have had to travel several miles to reach access points, in particular at Terrell Mill Road.

The 24-foot reversible ramp will allow motorists to bypass congested local roads. Traffic estimates in the Cumberland area are around 100,000 trips a day.

The grant was hailed by county and Cumberland CID leaders, as well as U.S. senators Johnny Isakson and David Perdue, Congressman Barry Lowdermilk and Congresswoman Lucy McBath.

Construction on the Akers Mill Road ramp is expected to begin in 2021 and be completed by 2023.

 

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East Cobb traffic alert: Post Oak Tritt-Hembree roundabout work prompts rerouting all day Thursday

Post Oak Tritt-Hembree roundabout

Following up last week’s story about the delayed finish to the Post Oak Tritt-Hembree roundabout project: You’d best avoid that intersection on Thursday.

That’s because traffic is being rerouted for most of the day so contractors can lay down asphalt in the intersection.

Around noon today, Cobb commissioners JoAnn Birrell and Bob Ott issued a map below that isn’t terribly legible, but they also say in an accompanying note that the work will take place Thursday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and that police officers will be redirecting traffic.

As we posted last week, weather and utility delays pushed back completion from this month to next March. Here’s more from the note that went out today:

“This project remains a priority for Cobb DOT, who will continue to make every effort to ensure that the project is safe throughout the remainder. Thank you for your patience!”

To view a full-sized map, click here.

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Post Oak Tritt-Hembree roundabout project delayed several months

Post Oak Tritt-Hembree roundabout

Motorists who travel through the Post Oak Tritt-Hembree Road intersection will have to wait a few months longer for the roundabout project underway there to be completed.

Cobb commissioners on Tuesday approved a request by the contractor, Glosson Enterprises, to push back the scheduled completion date to March 31, 2020.

There’s no additional cost increase for the $1.3 million project, which was to have been done this month.

Cobb DOT director Erica Parrish said the delay (summary here) was caused by utility and weather issues.

“I am ready to see this finished, and so is the public,” said District 3 commissioner JoAnn Birrell. “I appreciate the public’s patience.”

In other transportation-related action Tuesday, commissioners approved a contract for $308,901 with Tri Scapes Inc. for an eight-foot wide sidewalk with curb and gutter on the west side of Bells Ferry Road, from the Noonday Creek trailhead driveway to Big Shanty Road.

The total length of the project is approximately 0.32 miles. The funding comes from the Cobb 2016 SPLOST.

The county also will be saving $145,460 from the final cost of intersection improvements at Bells Ferry Road and Barrett Parkway. Glosson also was the contractor for the $1.86 million project, which has been completed.

 

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East Cobb traffic alert: Roswell Road eastbound at Old Canton reopens after crash

Roswell Road Old Canton Road crash

That’s the scene from a Georgia 511 camera at Roswell Road and Old Canton Road about 2:55 Friday, as Cobb Police and Cobb Fire are investigating a crash in a busy intersection that’s blocking eastbound traffic on Roswell.

UPDATED 3:40 PM: Cobb Police say all lanes of traffic are now open.

Police are urging motorists heading east on Roswell (the traffic in the right of the photo) to find an alternate route; there’s no word as yet on injuries.

We’ll update this story when more details are available.

 

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East Cobb traffic alert: Piedmont Road reopens after car crash knocks out power

Piedmont Road closed

UPDATED 4:36 p.m.: Piedmont Road has reopened after an East Cobb car crash earlier this afternoon.

Shortly before 2 p.m. Thursday Cobb Police said Piedmont Road is closed at Sprayberry Drive due to a single-car crash that took down power poles and knocked out electricity in the area (that’s just west of the Piedmont-Sandy Plains intersection and Sprayberry High School).

The car overturned and the crash prompted several small fires, according to police, who said the driver suffered minor injuries.

Will update this story with more information when we get it.

Piedmont Road closed

 

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More than 100 hands-free citations given near Big Chicken intersection

Big Chicken traffic citations

For a couple of hours this morning, a few dozen police officers (some posing undercover as road workers) cracked down on distracted drivers around the Big Chicken, the intersection of Roswell Road and Cobb Parkway, and gave out between 100 and 150 citations.

That area includes the Roswell Road access point for the Northwest Corridor managed lanes, and the number of citations is an estimate that is expected to rise.

Marietta Police said the undertook the planned enforcement detail because in recent months they’ve seen an increase in the number of accidents caused by distracted drivers.

Officers from Marietta and Cobb Police and the Georgia State Patrol worked in 40 marked vehicles, and the “goal was to re-educate drivers about the importance of safe driving, specifically seat belt use” as well as the Georgia hands free law (the do’s and don’ts are here) that went into effect a year ago.

Here’s more from Officer Chuck McPhilamy, the Marietta PD’s public information officer, and sent out on social media this afternoon, including information on how the court process works if you get a citation:

1. Driving is a PRIVILEGE not a RIGHT. When we sign for our driver’s license we agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the road as established by our elected government officials.

2. The tickets for distracted driving, according to the law, can ALL be waived the first time if you appear in court and show evidence that you have a blue tooth device in your vehicle now, after that the first fine is $50 and (1) point, then it climbs in increments of $50 and one point for each additional violation.

3. The goal is to make the roads safe, these tickets are the government’s way of trying to get people to obey the law.

4. EVERYONE can simply pull over into a parking space and use their phone any way they like. The law only prohibits the use of an electronic device while also operating a vehicle.

5. If we had even more marked vehicles available, even more violators would have been issued citations – this is clearly a law being violated.

Regardless of your stance, know that we all went out this morning with the goal of making your ability to drive in Marietta as safe as possible. 

 

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Townhome demolition contract approved as part of Windy Hill-Terrell Mill Connector project

Windy Hill-Terrell Mill Connector project

Cobb commissioners on Tuesday approved spending nearly $275,000 to demolish 27 townhomes as part of the Windy Hill-Terrell Mill Connector project.

The low bid of $274,055 by Tucker Grading and Hauling was adopted by a 4-0 vote (chairman Mike Boyce was absent).

The demolition of 27 units at the Turnberry Lane Townhomes is part of a larger demolition project that also includes 12 units of the Terrell Ridge Condominiums, and six units at The Woods Condominiums.

In April the commissioners approved a contract for $289,109 to Tucker Grading and Hauling for asbestos removal of the Turnberry Lane and The Woods buildings.

Last month, another $70,800 was approved to tear town The Woods.

The three communities are at the northern end of the $33.5 million connector project, which will be four lanes wide and 0.8 miles long.

The county purchases those properties to keep the project on schedule.

Construction is slated to begin later this year and is expected to be finished by early 2022.

 

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East Cobb traffic update: Injuries reported in Roswell Road crash

Roswell Road crash

Eastbound traffic on Roswell Road near Old Canton Road has been bottlenecked more than usual this morning due to a multi-vehicle crash not far from the intersection that’s led to injuries.

That’s according to Officer Neil Penirelli, Cobb Police spokesman. The accident took place on Roswell Road at Blackwell Farms Road (blue star) and prompted the closure of one eastbound lane.

Penirelli said he didn’t have details immediately about those injured.

Around 9:10 a.m., Cobb Police said all traffic lanes have reopened on eastbound Roswell Road.

This story will be updated.

 

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East Cobb Traffic Update: Sandy Plains Road reopened at Ebenezer Road

Sandy Plains Road closed
Sandy Plains Road at Trickum Road Wednesday afternoon, after traffic reopened. (Ga. 511 camera photo)

UPDATED WEDNESDAY, 2:30 P.M.: Cobb DOT says Sandy Plains Road has reopened at Ebenezer Road this morning, after the completion of emergency repairs that closed the intersection overnight.

UPDATED TUESDAY, 5:20 P.M.: Cobb government has said just now that at water main break has closed Sandy Plains Road at Ebenezer Road, and that crews are headed there to make repairs.

UPDATED TUESDAY, 3:15 P.M.: Cobb DOT is diverting southbound Sandy Plains Road traffic onto Bryant Lane, and northbound traffic onto Ebenezer Road.

The water main break, which an East Cobb News reader said was caused by a truck striking a hydrant, took place at an intersection that’s undergoing construction work along Sandy Plains.

DOT the water flow has caused Sandy Plains to be “undermined,” and that the closure “is expected to be a long-term event.”

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