North Fulton and South Forsyth Commuters May Get McGinnis Ferry Rd Interchange at GA 400

Georgia 400 may have a new interchange in South Forsyth County on McGinnis Ferry Road as the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) recently approved an Interchange Justification Report (IJR) for the proposed interchange. The new interchange is much desired by the Forsyth County legislation delegation and would likely help relieve congestion on Windward Parkway and spur additional economic growth in the area.{[}]{[}]GDOT has not yet programmed construction funding for the project but will be using federal funds previously designated for the project to begin preliminary design work next year. According to the Patch, US Representative Lynn Westmoreland and for US Rep John Linder had previously garnered $3.5 million in federal funds towards the project estimated to cost $22 million.{[}]{[}]According to GDOT board member Rudy Bowen, more than $70 million has  been spent in recent years to upgrade McGinnis Ferry Road and to improve east-west mobility for those living in or moving thru Forsyth, Gwinnett and North Fulton. Added GDOT member Emily Dunn, “Forsyth County is not only a wonderful place to live, it is developing into a huge economic driver for the Metro Northside. Better connectivity to GA 400 will complement both of those attributes.”{[}]{[}]From a practical and personal standpoint (the writer lives between the Windward Pkwy and McFarland Rd exits), an additional interchange should provide additional routes for residents and commuters in the area. Let’s hope that despite the failure of the GSPLOT sales tax to pay for road infrastructure in the state, funds will be found to keep this project moving forward.{[}]{[}] {[}]{[}]