Morning commuters on Buford Highway found themselves in gridlock Tuesday after a water main break chewed up the roadway and shut down all lanes at Sugarloaf Parkway in Gwinnett County, triggering long backups along the busy stretch. The closure, which runs between Sugarloaf Parkway and South Scales Road, stalled peak-period traffic while emergency crews moved in to assess the damage.
Crews on scene; GDOT involved
Officials say the collapse happened on SR 13 eastbound at Sugarloaf Parkway and that the water-main failure forced the closure of north- and southbound lanes between Sugarloaf Parkway and South Scales Road, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. The station reports the Georgia Department of Transportation issued the alert and that emergency crews were working at the scene to repair the break and reopen travel lanes.
Traffic and detours
The Georgia Department of Transportation's 511 system told motorists crews were working to reopen lanes "as quickly and safely as possible," and WSB-TV's traffic team recommended drivers use Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Old Peachtree Road or Satellite Boulevard to get around the mess. Atlanta News First noted a GDOT alert that crews were expected to finish work around 2 p.m., though officials cautioned that timeline could change as repairs proceed.
Why this intersection matters
The Sugarloaf Parkway - Buford Highway junction is a major commuter link in west-central Gwinnett; county traffic counts show adjoining segments routinely carry tens of thousands of vehicles per day, making any closure here particularly disruptive, per Gwinnett County. Similar water-main breaks and pavement collapses have shuttered stretches of Buford Highway in past years, a pattern reflected in local coverage of an emerging sinkhole that prompted a partial closure in DeKalb County.
What drivers should know
Motorists are being urged to steer clear of the area and check GDOT's 511 system or local traffic reports before heading out; local outlets are updating coverage as crews work, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. Officials have not said whether nearby homes or businesses will experience water service impacts, and residents concerned about water are being advised to monitor announcements from Gwinnett County or their water provider for any advisories.
