Improvements to Buford Dam Road remain on track, according to Cumming leaders.

Steve Bennett, assistant city administrator, said the project is still on schedule for completion by Sept. 30.

"We [at the city] have heard nothing official saying [the contractor] wants more time, so we are expecting them to be done by the deadline," Bennett said.

The project spans from Sanders Road to Hwy. 9 and involves widening the road to up to four lanes and installing sidewalks.

It is being handled by C.W. Matthews at a projected cost of about $3.8 million, with about $1.8 million coming from the state.

Bennett said C.W. Matthews’ crews have been "doubled and tripled up" in recent weeks.

"It appears they’re working diligently to make it by the deadline," he said.

Crews have been shifting traffic flow along the bridge over Ga. 400.

"They’re widening the bridge for sidewalks," he said. "We’ll also be adding cages along the sidewalks on the bridge for safety."

In addition, the project includes improving the intersection with Hwy. 9 to add turn lanes.

"So you’ll be able to turn left, turn right or go straight," Bennett said. "It will speed everything up and people won’t have to wait as long."

Hwy. 9 near Good Ol’ Days is also being widened to allow for turn lanes.

A retaining wall in front of the restaurant was recently finished.

Turn lanes will also be added near Regions Bank on the other side of Hwy. 9.

Bennett said a future road project could include extending Buford Dam Road through the Hwy. 9 crossing, coming out on Veterans Memorial Boulevard.

"Of course that will have to be funded, but it is part of the city’s overall road improvement plans for the future," he said.