Project Aids Traffic, Brings Multiuse Trail

Correction: The article previously stated that bike lanes were part of the project, which is incorrect. An off-street multiuse trail is part of the project.

Northeast Cobb residents will enjoy traffic relief along Barrett Parkway and Chastain Road by spring thanks to the Big Shanty Connector project. The project includes a multiuse trail that will connect the Kennesaw Mountain Trail to the Noonday Creek Trail at Cobb Parkway.

The $26 million project is funded by the the Town Center Area CID, Cobb Department of Transportation, Georgia Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Transportation.

Construction will begin this fall on the final phase of Noonday Creek Trail from Barrett Lakes Boulevard to Bells Ferry Road with an estimated completion date of 2013. Once this phase is completed, walkers and bikers will be able to access the trail at Kennesaw Mountain and walk or bike to Bells Ferry Road (approximately six miles).

Currently, Barrett Parkway from Cobb Parkway west 3.58 miles is being widened from a four-land divided roadway to a six-lane divided roadway. This project is being funded by the 2005 SPLOST Transportation Improvement Program at a cost of $21,771.184. The estimated completion date is summer 2013.  

Other improvements on Barrett Parkway, Chastain Road and Cobb Parkway will be the installation of an Advanced Transportation Management System allowing real-time management of traffic signals in the area. It will provide aid during a traffic accident or any unexpected change in traffic movement.