If you’ve driven Riverside Road in Roswell recently, you may have noticed construction activity and wondered exactly what is happening.
The short answer is that this is much bigger than routine road maintenance.
Roswell is moving forward with a major improvement of approximately two miles of Riverside Road while Riverside Park is simultaneously undergoing one of the city’s larger recreation investments. Together, the projects represent a significant period of change along Roswell’s Chattahoochee River corridor.
Riverside Road has officially moved into construction
On July 13, 2026, Roswell Mayor and Council approved the construction contract for the Riverside Road Corridor Improvement Project.
The project covers approximately two miles between Riviera Road and Old Alabama Road.
According to the City of Roswell, planned improvements include a modern roundabout at River Lake Drive, a new traffic signal at Taimen Drive, raised medians, dedicated bicycle lanes, sidewalks and pedestrian connections, improved pedestrian crossings, drainage upgrades and new landscaping.
The project had already gone through transportation planning, traffic studies, engineering, environmental review, right-of-way coordination, utility planning and public input before reaching the construction stage.
Residents should expect construction activity, temporary traffic shifts and periodic lane closures as the work advances. The city has said access to neighborhoods, schools, businesses and parks will be maintained whenever possible.
What about all the trees?
Tree removal has been one of the more sensitive parts of the project.
The city says there are 95 specimen trees within the Riverside Road project corridor. Twenty-three are expected to be removed, leaving 72 in place.
Across all tree classifications, 129 trees are planned for removal, and the completed project includes 49 new trees.
That does not eliminate the impact, but it is important context when evaluating what the project actually proposes.
Riverside Park is changing too
At the same time, Riverside Park at 575 Riverside Road is already under construction.
Roswell held a groundbreaking ceremony on March 13, 2026, for the bond-funded renovation.
The construction contract is approximately $12.3 million, with the total project budget at approximately $13.8 million including construction administration, testing and contingency.
The renovation includes a nature-based playground inspired by the Chattahoochee River, an open sprayground, a new pavilion, updated ADA-accessible restrooms, improved event and performance infrastructure, additional lighting, circulation improvements, parking changes and environmental improvements.
The playground is expected to expand by approximately 12,000 square feet.
The city also says 307 trees will be planted, resulting in a net gain of 86 trees within Riverside Park after removals associated with construction and existing tree conditions are accounted for.
When will Riverside Park reopen?
The city’s published schedule calls for substantial completion around July 2027, with the park expected to reopen in summer 2027.
Construction schedules can change, so that should be treated as the current target rather than a guaranteed opening date.
This is part of something larger
Riverside Park is one component of Roswell’s River Parks Master Plan.
That plan covers six interconnected riverfront parks: Willeo, Azalea, River Landing, Riverside, Ace Sand and Don White.
Roswell previously completed the first major phase at Ace Sand Park in 2024, and the Riverside Park project continues that broader riverfront strategy.
Roswell has also announced movement on its Chattahoochee River Dredging Pilot Program.
That is a separate project from Riverside Road and Riverside Park. Do not present these projects as one construction contract or one unified development.
What their timing does show is the amount of public investment currently occurring around Roswell’s Chattahoochee corridor.
What does this mean for people who live nearby?
The immediate impact is fairly simple: construction.
Drivers should expect changing traffic patterns and periodic disruptions as Riverside Road work progresses.
Longer term, the city is trying to create better vehicle movement, pedestrian connections, bicycle infrastructure and recreational access along one of Roswell’s busiest and most recognizable corridors.
Whether every resident agrees with every design decision is a different question.
But one thing is clear.
What is happening on Riverside Road is no longer conceptual.
Construction has begun around Riverside Park, the Riverside Road improvement project has crossed into construction, and Roswell’s larger riverfront strategy continues to move forward.
If you live in Roswell, this is one of the local projects worth watching closely over the next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Riverside Road in Roswell under construction?
Roswell approved construction of a roughly two-mile corridor improvement project between Riviera Road and Old Alabama Road.
Is Roswell adding a roundabout to Riverside Road?
Yes. Current plans include a roundabout at River Lake Drive.
Are bike lanes being added?
Yes. Dedicated bicycle lanes are included in the Riverside Road improvement project.
What is happening at Riverside Park?
The park is undergoing a major bond-funded renovation including a new playground, open sprayground, pavilion, updated restrooms, event infrastructure, parking, circulation and environmental improvements.
When will Riverside Park reopen?
The city’s current target is summer 2027, with substantial completion expected around July 2027.
Sources
Riverside Road Corridor Improvement Project: https://mail.roswellconnections.com/riverside-road-corridor-improvement-project-moves-into-construction-following-mayor-and-council-approval/
Riverside Park Groundbreaking: https://www.roswellconnections.com/riverside-park-groundbreaking-ceremony-marks-start-of-major-renovation/
Riverside Park Renovation: https://roswellconnections.com/roswell-approves-major-bond-funded-renovation-of-riverside-park/