News 12 at 6 o'clock / Tuesday, March 29, 2011

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Last December, Alexander Drive was two-lanes and clogged with cars that weaved beyond orange cones, passing mounds of dirt on their way through the popular cut-through to Riverwatch Parkway or Washington Road.

There was then, just a few months ago, one entrance into the Kroger shopping center, behind some businesses like Five Guys, Moe's, and Sport Clips, making life difficult for travelers-through and people who patronize some of those businesses.

Things have changed.

"Now it seems like the flow has gone back to normal," says Five Guys General Manager Donna Rigdon.

Those two lanes have been transformed to four, and there are new entrances into the busy plaza, just in time for the Masters.

For Rigdon, it's hard to forget the past few months.

"I've had to come out here and actually direct traffic, because they'd want to park on this side of the building and people would be parked here and couldn't go any farther and didn't know it till they saw a big sign that said, 'We're closed.'

"Multiple wrecks, because people were wanting to turn where Rite Aid was. And instead of waiting in line they'd come out and hit them head on."

So now, Alexander drive is a go -- at least the part you can see from Washington Road.

There's still more dirt to move to make it a straight shot to Riverwatch Parkway. During Masters week traffic won't be able to enjoy the new Alexander Drive. It's the same as the past two years, you'll only be able to exit the road, but little by little, construction will get done, and everyone will have a green light.

The construction to Riverwatch is expected to be finished by next year's Masters.

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