Westside Parkway's Final Section Could Open Soon

Sometime in June–or maybe even in late April, if the weather and utilitt companies cooperate–motorists will be able to drive between Windward Parkway and Mansell Road on Westside Parkway without a detour. Alpharetta approved a $1.65 million bid to complete the final section between Webb Bridge Road and Old Milton Parkway.

Once the contract is accepted and signed by the winning bidder, CW Matthews, "in 30 days we will have the road open for traffic," said Pete Sewczwicz, director of Engineering and Public Works, in his presentation to City Council at Monday night, March 19.

City Council members were hoping for as early as late April for an opening.

The work could begin as soon as the end of this week, but utility relocation could have an affect on the project completion.

Sewczwicz said the city is seeking permission from GDOT for nighttime work, but that would only be near Old Milton Parkway and not close to residences on the northwestern end of this roadway.

The bids came in higher than Alpharetta expected, but city taxpayers won't directly suffer the extra cost. Mayor David Belle Isle said the Georgia Department of Transportation came through with another $500,000 added to the $848,000 the agency already committed to road construction. The city will pick up the remaining $300,000 through its unallocated transportation funds in the current city budget.

"We are moving forward just as fast as we can. We are saying June and hoping earlier," Belle Isle said.

Councilman Chris Owens said that if the warm, dry weather holds, "by my math, cars will be on the road before the end of April."

Belle Isle said the project owes thanks to former council member Brandon Beach, who is on the GDOT board.

The final section of Westside Parkway was mired in the bankruptcy of the Thomas Enterprises' company that tried to build Prospect Park, but got caught in the housing bust. for most of this section to Alpharetta immediately after closing on the property now going to be develped as .