The intersection of state routes 2 and 5 in Blue Ridge is not part of the State Route 5 widening project between Blue Ridge and McCaysville.
But Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) officials say they recognize the need to improve the intersection and a plan is in the works.
GDOT District Engineer Grant Waldrop told Fannin County commissioners a traffic study is currently underway at the intersection, also known as the Highway 515/Highway 5 intersection. That study is part of GDOT planning in developing a quick response project aimed at relieving current traffic backups.
Waldrop told of GDOT’s traffic study at the regular commissioners meeting March 8.
Joe Schulman, GDOT District 6 communications officer, said last week the project will involve a dual left turn lane on SR 5 south. That would allow two left turn lanes for traffic coming from McCaysville and turning toward Blairsville on SR 2/Highway 515.
Under GDOT’s quick response project guidelines, the work is expected to cost less than $200,000 and does not require any right of way purchase or utilities relocation.
Schulman said GDOT plans to complete the work during Fiscal Year 2023. That budget year begins July 1, 2022.
Schulman said that once construction is started the work is expected to take about three months to complete.