Watch Traffic Changes Around Memorial Dr., Wal-Mart Area in Toccoa

Authorities are urging drivers to use caution in the area of Memorial Drive and Wal-Mart along Highway 17 and Big A Road in Toccoa in light of traffic pattern changes connected to the Georgia Highway 17 widening project.

Right now, those traffic pattern changes include the elimination of the central turning lane on Big A Road south of Memorial Drive and also the conversion of the left lane of Highway 17 northbound headed towards Toccoa into a turn lane for Memorial Drive just past the traffic light for Wal-Mart.

Toccoa Police Chief Tim Jarrell said that motorists driving in that area need to be alert because it is a heavily traveled area.

“With school starting, we would like to advise the motoring public that the construction is still going on in the Memorial and 17 area and also that there is a traffic light now at the By-pass,” said Jarrell. “We would like to remind everyone to slow down and pay attention, be mindful of any traffic pattern shifts that are taking place during the construction phase and pay attention to the road signs and markings. Be mindful of the workers as they are working on the roadway.”

These traffic pattern changes are part of widening Georgia Highway 17 to four lanes from Memorial Drive in Toccoa, all the way south to the Stephens County-Franklin County line.

According to Georgia Department of Transportation officials, the project is set for completion sometime in late Summer or early Fall.