Georgia DOT approved the location & design earlier this year for an upcoming roundabout project on New Morn Drive. The approval allows right of way acquisition to move forward.
The state DOT is planning to construct the new roundabout at state route 81 and New Morn Drive. The project will replace the existing all-way stop.
New Morn Drive Roundabout
New Morn Drive is located west of I-75 in the Dutchtown area. The project will install a new single-lane roundabout. The roundabout’s circle will measure 185’ by 165’. The design speed for the roundabout is 25 mph.
Georgia DOT authorized right of way acquisition to begin in October 2022. The project must buy right of way from six adjacent properties.
The state is estimating construction will accept bids in fall 2023. Road work would then begin in early 2024. Construction is estimated to last sixteen months.
The most recent cost estimates total $3.7 million dollars for the project. This includes $2.1 million for construction. Other costs account for design and right of way.
Crash History
The state previously converted the location to an all-way stop in March 2018. The conversion happened following fifty-two crashes in a five-year period (2013–2017). The crashes included twenty-one injury crashes and thirty-one property damage only crashes.
After the installation of all-way stop control, the intersection continues to experience crashes. This includes two injury crashes and three property damage only crashes during 2019. The predominant crash type are angle crashes, caused by the off-angle approaches from New Morn Drive.
When complete, the new roundabout will correct the off-angle approaches. This change will also reduce the number of accidents.
Featured image shows the concept layout for state route 81 at New Morn Drive. Georgia DOT photo.
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