Commuting from Canton (Hwy 140) to Alpharetta (Old Milton Pkwy/400 area) (Woodstock: house, schools)

[kmc2011]

We relocated to Georgia due to my husband's job, so I am still learning the area and getting acclimated. I recently interviewed with a company located near the Old Milton Parkway / 400 area, and am worried about the commute. Without traffic, I made it to their office in 25 minutes.

I'm wondering what the commute may be like with hours of either 8am-4pm or 7:30-3:30 (they are being flexible with work hours to some extent). My best guess is that I would have to take 140 to Rucker, and follow that in unless there are suggestions for other back roads.

Thanks for your help!

[Mattie]

Are you anywhere near Birmingham Hwy (GA 372)? As a backup you could take that to Providence Rd-Mayfield-Wills Rd-Old Milton.

Otherwise, you are most likely stuck with 140. They are talking about widening it, someday. I think the 7:30-3:30 might be a little bit better. The mornings are going to be rough, as that road is very heavily traveled, but the afternoon shouldn't be too bad then.

[Esteban5]

I'm afraid I don't have good news for you. 140 was a bear when I lived there several years ago....I'm sure the commute is much worse now.

Depending on where you lived in Canton, you might explore taking Highway 20 East, then finding an alternate road that heads Southeast. Best of luck to you with the new position!

[researchnerd]

I used to make that drive every day. If 140 is your only option, get out as early as you can, otherwise you're looking at a 45-minute drive minimum. It's a 1-lane road in each direction (although they are widening it, but progress is slow) so if there's a wreck it can be a 2-hour drive.

If you can take 372 that may be better, or depending on where you're coming from, perhaps Hopewell/Holbrook Campground Road -> Cogburn Rd -> Windward Parkway -> 400.

[BobKovacs]

As the others said, the earlier the better, and be sure to learn all the back roads for when you need an alternate route.

[Caleb Longstreet]

There is no easier way, just different....scenery....you could come down 371 and enjoy the 10 mile, almost non-stop to hwy 9 and get in line there but, it would still take just as long....just know there are similar, yet just as long, work arounds when you need them. The scenery is a bit better but, that's about it...watch out for the Tyson trucks coming and going....

Bottom line, if you can leave your house and I mean LEAVE your house, rolling somewhere around 50mph or more, by 7:20 you should be fine.....otherwise, pack a muffin and coffee.....on second thought.....

[kmc2011]

Thanks everyone for your input. I am still learning the roads so will have to look up some of the options you listed. We are pretty much on the Canton/Woodstock line and off of 140.

I'm somewhat familiar with how bad 140 can be, but what about Old Milton? Does that get bogged down with people trying to get onto 400? Does anyone know about how long it would take to get from the corner of 140 & Rucker down to where Old Milton crosses under 400?

Thanks again~

[SW30303]

Old Milton on either side of GA 400 is congested during rush hour and often times outside of rush hour. I don't know the time frame to answer your question, kmc2011, but I would say drive during rush hour if you can to see for yourself.

[kmc2011]

Thanks for your reply. The work hours may be flexible:

7am-3pm
7:30am-3:30pm (most likely this option) or
8am-4pm

Appreciate your input!

[Mattie]

The earlier the better. Rucker is a single lane road with a 35 mph speed limit, but no schools on it. Once it turns into Old Milton it widens with additional lanes, but adds several traffic lights. It isn't a long drive though in terms of distance. 140 is going to be worse.