Jug Handles to Jones Bridge: What’s Changing in Peachtree Corners
Peachtree Corners is changing fast—and a lot of the biggest conversations residents are having right now come down to the basics: traffic, infrastructure, and safety. In this episode of Peachtree Corners Life , host Rico Figliolini sits down with City Councilman Eric Christ— fresh off another term—to break down what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what it means for day-to-day life in the city. From the new “jug handle” traffic pattern at Holcomb Bridge Road and Spalding Drive to major planning around bridge replacement on East Jones Bridge, Eric pulls back the curtain on how decisions get made across city, county, and state responsibilities. The conversation expands into what’s next for Technology Parkway, redevelopment at The Forum, the city’s deer population report, and how Peachtree Corners is thinking about practical public safety improvements without turning it into a political shouting match. Resources:City of Peachtree Corners website: https://www.peachtreecornersga.gov Eric Christ contact page: https://www.peachtreecornersga.gov/directory.aspx?EID=32 Eric Christ campaign site: https://www.votechrist.org Key takeaways Holcomb Bridge/Spalding changes are GDOT-driven (State Route 140) and designed to improve north-south throughput; left turns from Spalding are rerouted via Weatherburn Way and River Exchange. Expect a learning curve: signage improvements + GPS/map updates should reduce “habit” left turns over time. East Jones Bridge vehicle bridge replacement (early 2026 target): a 9–12 month project with an expected full road closure for ~4 months during the bridge swap, creating major detours. Pedestrian infrastructure gets folded in: the plan includes sidewalks on both sides; a newer pedestrian bridge may be relocated into the trail system; the new bridge is expected to sit higher for flood standards. Technology Parkway AV lanes are likely being rethought for a real-world test environment: AVs are faster now, and companies prefer mixed traffic; plan includes restriping, removing the “armadillos,” and adding shared-lane bike markings + a small trailhead parking area. The Forum redevelopment is a multi-year, phased evolution: Barnes & Noble moving (into the former Old Navy space), a parking deck shifting toward the Peachtree Parkway side, and residential/hotel components discussed as later phases (more like 2027–2028 timing). Deer population is a real scale issue: estimate shared in the conversation is 2,700+ deer (~193 per square mile vs ~25 in a natural setting); next step involves USDA Wildlife Services planning. Public safety discussion is framed as “service levels”: exploring options like a precinct presence, staffing visibility, and contract improvements—while acknowledging the long-term county policing framework. Timestamp: 00:00 – Welcome and introduction of Eric Christ 02:00 – Holcomb Bridge Road traffic changes explained 12:00 – East Jones Bridge replacement plans 23:00 – Autonomous vehicle lanes and Curiosity Lab updates 34:00 – The Forum redevelopment and future timeline 44:00 – Deer population study and wildlife management 49:00 – Public safety, policing, and community concerns 01:12:00 – Final thoughts and how to contact Eric Christ