Ellington

Hamilton Place Mall is beginning work to create a roundabout at the Gunbarrel Road entrance. With work ongoing to widen Shallowford Road, slower traffic in the area can be expected and use of alternate routes is suggested.

According to TDOT Regional Community Relations Officer Jennifer Flynn, a contractor is currently working to complete utility work and install storm drains on Shallowford Road throughout the project area that extends from just past Gunbarrel Road to beyond Jenkins Road. The officer said there have been no road closures, but continued delays are expected as the project moves toward its September 2013 completion date.

“While we will do our best to keep traffic moving smoothly and efficiently, there will continue to be delays as work is done on this project,” she said. “Flaggers will assist with traffic control.”

Flynn suggests avoiding this stretch of Shallowford Road and using an alternate route if possible.

“For the many drivers who do have to use this section of Shallowford Road, please allow for extra time as you travel to your destination,” she said. “Be patient, be alert, watch for workers in the area, observe the speed limit, obey the flaggers and don’t drive distracted. No texting.”

Alternate routes have also been suggested for drivers who wish to access Hamilton Place Mall from Gunbarrel Road while a roundabout is constructed at that entrance. The intersection will remain open and off-duty police officers will be on-site assisting with traffic during peak hours throughout construction, which will be finished in October.

Mall management suggests that shoppers and mall employees access the mall from Gunbarrel Road via Landress Drive or Commons Boulevard. They also suggest using entrances from I-75, Hamilton Place Boulevard and North Concord Road, as they will be unaffected by the construction.

Flynn said it’s difficult to determine whether or not the construction at Hamilton Place will make traffic conditions worse on and around Shallowford Road.

“Because the work at Hamilton Place will take place on mall property, I wouldn’t think that the Shallowford Road project would be greatly affected,” she said. “Construction of the roundabout near the Gunbarrel Road entrance to Hamilton Place is slated for completion in October, so any worsening conditions because of conflicting projects won’t be long-term.”

For updates on the roundabout construction visit www.hamiltonplace.com.