Roundabout closure and detour on SR 9 at SR 60

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) District One office and its construction partners are continuing work on the roundabout project located on State Route 9/State Route 60/Stone Pile Gap Road. Contractors have implemented another traffic shift to facilitate continued construction efforts. Motorists are urged to use caution, reduce speed and follow posted signage when traveling through active work zones.  The traffic shift is expected to remain in place through the beginning of July. Motorists traveling south from Suches to Stone Pile Gap Road are detouring onto US 19/SR 9/SR 60 for 3.4 miles, turning right onto Ridley Road for 2.3 miles, then turning left onto Yahoola Road for 1 mile, and then back onto Stone Pile Gap Road. Motorists traveling north from Dahlonega to Stone Pile Gap Road are detouring off US 19/SR 9/SR 60, turning left onto Ridley Road for 2.3 miles, then left onto Yahoola Road for 1 mile, and then right onto Stone Pile Gap Road.  The purpose of this closure is to allow crews to safely continue working on the roundabout project on State Route 9/State Route 60/Stone Pile Gap Road without traffic interference. This upgrade will enhance safety and improve operational efficiency at the intersection of SR 9 at SR 60. Crash data from 2004-2008 indicated that 28 crashes occurred at these intersections resulting in 11 total injuries. Of those crashes, 21% were angle collisions accounting for 27% of the injuries and the fatality. Studies have shown that the installation of a roundabout results in nearly 80% reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes and nearly 40% reduction in property damage crashes.  Exact dates may change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are cautioned to reduce their speed while traveling through work zones, stay alert, and watch for workers. Before heading out, get real-time information on work status and traffic conditions by calling 511, visiting 511ga.org, or downloading the Georgia 511 app.