McGinnis Ferry-Scales Intersection To Get Traffic Light

A Suwanee intersection that was the scene of a traffic accident that killed two people last November will be getting a traffic light soon.

Gwinnett County officials confirmed Friday that the McGinnis Ferry Road-Scales Road intersection will be getting a traffic light, which should be installed by summer.

Gwinnett spokesperson Joe Sorenson relayed a Gwinnett Department of Transportation memo about the situation:

The Gwinnett County Department of Transportation (GCDOT) recently completed a traffic analysis at the location.  The study included reviewing the current traffic volumes; traffic accident history; conducting a speed study; measuring sight distance; and, taking an inventory of the traffic control devices currently in place. 

The analysis concluded that the installation of a traffic signal will increase the operational efficiency of the intersection.  Thus, we have identified and funded a project for the intersection with reallocated funds from the 2009 SPLOST Program.  We are currently preparing plans and have tentatively scheduled work at the intersection to begin this summer.

Resident frustration about the intersection boiled over late last year after two people -- Jean Strickland of Suwanee and David Dowdy of Bogart -- were killed in a head-on collision in late November. Dowdy's vehicle is believed to have crossed the center line at a median break and collided with a vehicle driven by Strickland's son, Mike (who was seriously injured).

"I have lived in Suwanee Station for 9 years and that intersection has gotten exponentially dangerous over the past year, especially with the increased congestion since McGinnis Ferry extension over I-85. Any talks about getting a light at that intersection?," a commenter said on Suwanee Patch.

The intersection sits at the crest of a hill, which limits visibility in both directions.

-- How do you feel about this development? Any other intersections in Suwanee bother you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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