Gwinnett Daily Post

BUFORD -- Traffic shifted Wednesday on Lanier Islands Parkway, so construction could continue on the widening.

But visitors to Lake Lanier Islands' Magical Nights of Lights will not have to worry about extra traffic.

Both lanes of the parkway, known as Ga. Highway 347, shifted to the north onto two newly built lanes, from Interstate 985 to the bridge over the railroad, a press release said.

The traffic shuffle allows crews from C.W. Matthews Contracting to rebuild the original two lanes. DOT spokeswoman Teri Pope said the move actually gives the crews more room for the work, which will allow work to go on even with restrictions this holiday season meant to keep from adding traffic to the popular light show.

Pope said lane closures will be prohibited from next week through New Year's, as part of the $11.6 million contract to buid the project.

The 1.7-mile widening job is set for completion by Nov. 30, 2014.