Braselton Highway will be widened, task force will look at short-term rentals and more 

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Nov. 20, 2023) – The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners acted on several initiatives during meetings on Nov. 7 and Nov. 14. A recap of what they approved follows.

Braselton Highway widening gets underway soon

Commissioners awarded a construction contract to Wilson Construction Management, LLC to widen State Route 124/Braselton Highway from Pine Road to Spout Springs Road from two lanes to a four-lane road, complete with turn lanes, sidewalks, curb and gutter, and drainage improvements. The $10.6 million project is funded largely by SPLOST with $3 million coming from a Georgia Department of Transportation Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant. The road improvements will enhance local transportation infrastructure, promote safety and address traffic congestion.

Georgia DOT grant funds road resurfacing

An application for another Local Maintenance Improvement Grant to fund the resurfacing of more than 35 miles of roadways in Gwinnett County was also approved. GDOT’s contribution is $7.6 million with a local match of $2.3 million coming from the 2017 SPLOST Program.

New task force looks at short-term rentals

The Board of Commissioners created a new Short-Term Rental Citizen Task Force to address residents’ concerns that short-term rentals contribute to higher crime, negatively impact property values and cause a decline in the sense of community and stability within neighborhoods. With support from the Department of Planning and Development, the task force will gather public feedback, review data and assess best practices from other jurisdictions, then use the findings to develop and present recommendations to the Board.

Operation Save-A-Life donates safety devices

Firefighters will distribute 252 Kidde smoke alarms and 234 Kidde carbon monoxide detectors to residents thanks to Operation Save-A-Life. Commissioners accepted the donation valued at $18,690. The safety equipment will bolster emergency preparedness and minimize safety risks in homes throughout the community.

Sewer service expands in Dacula

The Board approved an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Dacula to expand sewer service along Maxey Street to Sanjo Street. Gwinnett County is responsible for 20 percent of the construction costs along with design, permitting, construction, and ongoing operation and maintenance of the sewer. Dacula will obtain and pay for easements and pay 80 percent of the construction costs using American Rescue Plan Act funds.