(Lawrenceville, Ga., Aug 19, 2024) – The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners acted on several initiatives during their Aug. 6 meeting. A recap of what they approved follows.

Interchange coming to I-985 and Thompson Mill Road

Commissioners approved two items related to construction of an interchange at I-985 and Thompson Mill Road. New ramps will provide relief for motorists in the area, where the closest interchange to the south – at State Route 20 – accommodates over 90,000 vehicles per day.

The Board entered an agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation that specifies procedures for project engineering and provides a $2 million contribution from the Atlanta Regional Commission. A required local match of $500.000 comes from SPLOST.

In addition, Thomas & Hutton Engineering Co. was awarded a $4.25 million engineering design services and construction document development contract, funded 53 percent by SPLOST and 47 percent by GDOT.

Grant supports repaving major roadways

More than 13 centerline miles of major county roadway will be resurfaced under a $10.5 million contract awarded to three companies. Contractors Allied Paving Contractors, Inc., The Scruggs Company and Sunbelt Asphalt Surfaces, Inc., will resurface the roadways and repair pavement with patching, adjust water valves and manhole covers, and install pavement markings to delineate travel lanes.

Funding comes from a $9.5 million GDOT Local Maintenance Improvement Grant with the remainder covered by SPLOST. Roads to be resurfaced are Camp Branch Road, South Lee Street, Ozora Church Road, Everson Road, Jessica Daron Court, Pounds Drive, Beaver Road, Club Drive, North Brown Road and Old Peachtree Road.

Loop Trail will provide mobility options

The Loop Trail, one of the signature trails in the Gwinnett Trails Master Plan, is getting a boost with a new section of multi-use path from the intersection of Sugarloaf Parkway and Satellite Boulevard to just north of the intersection of Suwanee Creek Road and St. Ives Court. A $1.3 million contract for engineering design services and construction document development was awarded to KCI Technologies, Inc. The contract is funded 80% by GDOT and 20% by SPLOST.

Once complete, the pathway will provide non-vehicular mobility connections to the Western Gwinnett Pathway, Gwinnett Place Mall redevelopment site, and Gas South District.

Grant helps to address opioid crisis

The Gwinnett Medical Examiner’s Office will use a $24,720 grant from the Georgia Department of Public Health to fund forensic toxicology testing by private firms in suspected drug overdose cases. DPH is seeking partnerships with local coroners and medical examiners to obtain more timely and thorough data that will enhance research to address the opioid crisis, which continues to strain local resources.

Kids learn fire safety in simulated home

Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services will purchase a new mobile fire safety trailer from North America Fire Equipment Co., Inc., for $238,639. This simulated version of a furnished home can mimic scenarios in a kitchen or bedroom that represent the most common fire-related threats. The realistic setting allows participants to practice home escape techniques, spotting burn hazards, and fire and life safety skills. The department’s current fire safety house is an integral part of engaging the community and is taken to community events and school functions where children can learn what to do in a fire emergency. To date, fire educators have taught safety programming to over 6,000 children.

Homemaker services support seniors

Gwinnett County offers homemaking services to help seniors and individuals with disabilities maintain their independence and quality of life. A new contract with two service providers will ensure continued assistance with essential daily household tasks such as cleaning, meal preparation and running errands. Southern Home Care Services, Inc. dba All Ways Caring Homecare, was selected as primary and At Home Atlanta, LLC, as secondary under the $201,600 contract funded by the Atlanta Regional Commission. The program provides over 6,500 hours of services annually, with participants receiving one to two hours of assistance weekly based on their care plans.

Adults aged 60 or older and caregivers of older adults can call 678-377-4150 for more information about services available to seniors in Gwinnett County or to connect with a care manager.