Project Overview – Cherokee County’s primary goals for this intersection project were improved safety, reduced accidents, and additional capacity. Existing daily traffic counts on East Cherokee Drive were 6,900 vehicles per day (vpd) with a truck percentage of 13%, while Gaddis Road added 2,900 vpd with a truck percentage of 6%. The Woodmont subdivision along Chadwyck Road produced 1,700 vpd with no trucks. During concept development, AEI deliberated two options based on their ability to meet project objectives and minimize impacts, including: (1) a roundabout, and (2) a traffic signal with dedicated turn lanes. The roundabout was chosen over the conventional signaled intersection based on cost analysis, added safety benefits, its ability to blend in with all four existing Woodmont subdivisions and signage, and its acceptance by the Woodmont Golf and Country Club Community. A roundabout design also worked well in tandem with the reduced speeds provided by the traffic signal at the East Cherokee Drive at Owens Store Road intersection to the north. In June 2017, construction began on the East Cherokee Drive at Gaddis Road Roundabout, demonstrating again that Cherokee County’s progressive approach to transportation is working and remains strong. The project was funded from 100% local SPLOST funds and converted a two-way stop controlled intersection into a single-lane, 4-legged urban roundabout.
AEI’s roundabout design included an inscribed 129-ft. circle diameter; four mountable, raised splitter islands; a mountable truck approach with Type 9 curb facing to accommodate WB-67s; a landscaped central island; and lighting. AEI focused its effort on the design of the approaches to constrain the entry and slow vehicles while opening the exit for efficient egress. Since grades are highly important for design of high functioning roundabouts, AEI designed this roundabout with a preferred maximum grade of 4% which integrated well with the rolling terrain. The roundabout was opened to traffic in December 2017 and all punch list items were completed by the contractor in May 2018.
