Milton, GA
Home MenuState Route 9 (Highway 9) Widening and Reconstruction Project Information
State Route 9 -- also referred to as Highway 9 -- is the backbone of Milton's main commercial area, frequented by people who shop in the stores, eat in the restaurants, live nearby, and traverse this route to get from Point A to Point B. The city's segment runs three miles, from the Alpharetta border at Windward Parkway north to the Forsyth County line. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has long planned to widen this key road. Studies indicate traffic volumes are projected to exceed 31,000 vehicles per day, which is significantly beyond the current roadway's capacity.
In 2025, the City took over (from GDOT) day-to-day project management and delivery for this years-long initiative. While GDOT will continue collaborating with the City and retains approval authority, the City is taking the lead on the design and construction of an upgraded Highway 9. An agreement specifies that GDOT will reimburse the City of Milton 100% for engineering, right-of-way, construction, and other costs so long as the project stays within its current footprint (which is the entire area impacted during construction).
While some components involved in this major project could change -- especially as it relates to small aspects of the design -- a few core principles are expected to run-through the revamping of Highway 9. These include:
- Making a continuous four-lane roadway (with two lanes in each direction) that balances the needs of vehicles, residents, and businesses
- Constructing a raised median between the two directions
- Incorporating new pedestrian and bicycle facilities
- Reducing the speed limit down to 35 mph
- Upgrading intersections
- Making enhancements such as turn lanes, signal timing improvements, and other safety features
- Addition of community-focused design features that are unique to Milton
Who will handle this project's design and construction?
The City of Milton will, though GDOT has ultimate approval authority.
Who will pay for it?
The State will pay for all of this multi-million dollar project so long as it doesn't expand beyond the expected footprint. (No such expansion is expected.)
When will construction begin?
An exact timeline is under development, though the design and right-of- way acquisition phases are scheduled to occur through 2030. Construction would happen after that timeframe.
What bicycle and pedestrian improvements could we see?
Increased sidewalk connectivity, improved pedestrian crossings, and possibly landscaped medians are proposed as part of the project. A multi-use trail element that will provide a unique pedestrian experience (while boosting multimodal travel to-and-from neighborhoods and retail stores, schools, and community spaces) will be part of this project. Other enhancements could be added later.
How Highway 9's redesign can make a positive impact
Already home to many of Milton's biggest retailers, most popular restaurants, and close to many of its densely populated residential areas, Highway 9 is a critical thoroughfare for many residents of Milton and beyond. And it's also primed to become even more valuable as the City undertakes a multi-faceted effort to redevelop elements of Deerfield (which includes Highway 9) and turn it into an even more vibrant, connected, thriving, and uniquely Milton destination. You can learn about this community-driven effort at www.miltonga.gov/Deerfield.
From a transportation perspective, this project's benefits include:
- Reducing congestion and improving traffic flow
- Enhancing roadway safety through intersection design, upgraded signals and other measures
- Providing better, safer connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists, and potentially those riding PTVs
- Allowing room for future growth in Milton and surrounding areas as a long-term transportation solution
Share your thoughts about the future of Highway 9
Community input is an important part of this project, with citizens' participation helping shape the final design. As the project progresses, people can attend open houses, public meetings, and other gatherings where they can offer their comments in-person. In the meantime, they're welcome to share their thoughts using the form below.