Sandy Springs residents frustrated over Atlanta Braves traffic plan

NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Sandy Springs residents are raising their concerns about the traffic impact of the new Atlanta Braves stadium. Traffic could be diverted from the interstate to the streets of Sandy Springs.

"This is an angry group right here that really wants to hear solutions," one resident yelled.

The Riverside Home Owners Association hosted a traffic forum Wednesday evening to provide answers.

Cobb County officials announced the intention to direct some Braves game day traffic coming off I-285 and onto surface roads.

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said he thew a fit when he first learned of the plans to relieve interstate congestion by sending traffic to Northside Drive.

He explained the counter measures in action and those being negotiated, and defended the decision to spend $4,000 on a traffic study.

"Rather than spend months arguing who's going to pay for what we made the decision to pay for the study so we could get the information and get their lead," Paul said.

The mayor says possible measures include slip ramps to bypass Sandy Springs neighborhoods.

Other possible measures include a new "half diamond" interchange, traffic cameras along Powers Ferry Road and improvements to key intersections.

"I don't think it's going to do any good. We're stuck with it, and the people of Sandy Springs have to cough up dollars," one resident yelled.

Residents came away from the meeting worried about safety with traffic creeping into residential areas. The mayor says he's serious about maintaining the quality of life in his city.

Cox Media Group