Whether you are a fan of roundabouts or not, the anticipated roundabout at GA 105 and GA 115 is now in operation in the Fairview community of Demorest. The traffic pattern changed on Tuesday, November 26.
WATCH Roundabout opens
The roundabout was supposed to go into operation on November 11. However, due to rainy and wet conditions over the last couple of weeks, the contractor was unable to lay out the appropriate markings on the roadway.
The new roundabout is one of two that is projected to be in operation in Habersham County.
The second roundabout will be located at the intersection of GA 17 and GA 197 in Clarkesville on the old Stoney’s Corner. Construction for that roundabout to begin has not yet been announced.
The nearly $5 million Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) project began construction last summer with utilities being relocated, followed by grading for drainage and the installation of drain pipes. That was followed with the additional road footage to add in the roundabout to the existing roadway.
After driving through the new pattern change, drivers need to be aware that the area of the roundabout is still an active construction zone with potential hazards. GDOT is urging all drivers to stay alert, obey posted signs, and drive carefully as drivers get used to the traffic pattern change and continued construction.
According to GDOT, this traffic pattern change is part of an initiative to ease congestion and improve roadway safety at the busy intersection. Roundabouts are designed to help traffic flow more smoothly, especially during peak hours.
The GA 105/115 project is not anticipated to be completed until late spring or early summer of 2025. Now Habersham has reached out to GDOT District 1 Communications Officer Nathan Johnston for an update about construction efforts for both roundabout projects. He has not responded to that request.
