Mount Vernon Highway and Long Island Drive Intersection Improvement

Long Island Drive and Mt. Vernon Highway Intersection Improvement Project

Current Status

Construction of the Long Island Drive and Mt. Vernon Highway intersection improvement project commenced following issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP) on March 16, 2026. Due to long lead times for signal poles and mast arms, construction will be sequenced to align with material availability. Final striping and signage and new signal activation is planned after delivery and installation of the required components, and is currently anticipated in mid-to-late November. Final project completion is scheduled for December.

Initial activities include underground utility verification to support installation of the proposed traffic signal infrastructure. Signal pole shop drawings and foundation design that are the responsibility of the contractor are currently being developed. Pole foundation installation is planned for late May, following completion of utility verification and resolution of any conflicts. In the interim, limited work will proceed where feasible to minimize rework and avoid incomplete conditions. The majority of roadway and site work is anticipated between June and October. Lane closures with flaggers will be implemented as needed, and motorists should expect periodic delays.

Project Description

The proposed project will improve the safety of the intersection, and operational performance, by adding a traffic signal at Mount Vernon Highway and Long Island Drive, including the driveway of Arlington Cemetery. Currently, the cemetery driveway is offset with Long Island Drive, which overlaps with left-turn movements on Mount Vernon Highway. Long Island Drive sees heavy queuing and long delays at the stop sign at Mount Vernon Highway. Additionally, when vehicles are queued in both lanes of the approach, sight distance for drivers is obstructed.

This project will install a new traffic signal, widen the roadway, and realign the driveway of Arlington Cemetery. There will also be new sidewalks, and upgraded striping and signage.

Public Engagement

An Open House was held on October 17, 2024, providing an overview of the proposed upgrades to the intersection. Comments were accepted until Thursday, October 31.

Public Comments and Response (PDF) (opens in new tab)

Meeting Materials

Project History

City of Sandy Springs Transportation and Communications staff met with neighborhood representatives from the Montrose and Grey Walls neighborhoods to discuss concerns regarding the intersection.