Connecting the District,
Connecting the Region
South Barrett Reliever
Project Overview
For decades, limited east–west connectivity across I-75 constrained access, increased congestion, and limited economic potential in one of Cobb County’s most active commercial and employment districts.
The solution: a new connection that is thoughtfully designed, multimodal, and built for long-term resilience.
The South Barrett Reliever delivers that solution. It creates a critical alternative to Barrett Parkway, a fully built-out commercial corridor with limited right-of-way where traditional widening is not feasible.
Through a coordinated series of road realignments, modern roundabouts, and a signature bridge spanning I-75 and the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes, the project establishes a new east–west connection from Cobb Parkway/US 41 to Barrett Parkway that bypasses the Barrett Parkway/I-75 interchange.
But it is not simply a bypass. It is a new framework for how Town Center moves.
A Visionary Milestone
First identified in the CID’s earliest master plan and refined through successive master plans and Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) studies, the South Barrett Reliever reflects more than two decades of sustained planning and partnership among local, regional, state, and federal agencies.
From the beginning, the project was envisioned as a complete street corridor — not just a traffic solution.
It forms the foundation of The Loop, a 7-mile complete street boulevard experience that will define the heart of Town Center. The South Barrett Reliever delivers the southern east–west arc, connecting Barrett Lakes Boulevard to George Busbee Parkway. It is the first step in transforming individual corridor improvements into a cohesive mobility system.
Total Project Investment
$62
Million+
Award Recognition
2018 GPTQ Preconstruction Design Award for Traffic Safety & Intersection Design
(Barrett Lakes Roundabout)
Key Features
Modern multi-lane roundabouts
A signature bridge spanning I-75 and the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes
Sidewalks and bike lanes
Pedestrian crossings and lighting
Landscaping and streetscape enhancements
Shared-use path
Community Benefits
Traffic congestion relief
Improved roadway operations
Safer crossings and shared-use access
Redevelopment catalyst
Enhanced sense of place
Measureable Impact
The South Barrett Reliever delivers tangible, district-wide results.
Traffic & Operations
Projected 22% reduction in traffic volumes along Ernest Barrett Parkway
Improved travel time reliability for commuters and freight
Enhanced network resiliency during peak congestion and incidents
Safety
Modern roundabouts reduce conflict points and crash severity
Enhanced lighting improves visibility
Continuous pedestrian and bike facilities strengthen shared-use safety
Economic Vitality
Improved access enhances business performance
Strengthens redevelopment readiness along key corridors
Reinforces Town Center’s role as a regional employment hub
The project also catalyzed complementary placemaking investments by the Town Center Community, including Lanie Park, a 1.5-acre pocket park that repurposes a remnant parcel into a walkable, community-serving open green space.
Partnerships That Make It Possible
