Wildcat Sixes Road

Overview

Cherokee County, the Cherokee Office of Economic Development, and the cities of Holly Springs and Woodstock, are partnering to conduct a small area plan and transportation study at the I-575 and Sixes Road interchange. The study area includes the southeast corner of the interchange that is bounded in part by a cemetery to the north, an Army Corps of Engineers property to the south, an interstate to the west, and a railroad to the east (see image below). Despite significant investments in roadway infrastructure in and around Cherokee County, the study area has remained constrained by these barriers, which has limited its potential for growth and connection.

By engaging with stakeholders and the community, the team will explore a range of potential solutions and alternatives. We need your input for this study to be successful. Please stay tuned for opportunities to learn more about the project and to provide your input.

Area History

From its origin, Cherokee County remained mostly rural until the construction of I-575 in the late 1980s and later with the addition of State Highway 20. With the extension of major roads into Cherokee County, development grew in the county, and the area became less rural. Over time, major cities emerged around commerce and trade centers, such as Canton, Woodstock, Ball Ground, Holly Springs, and Waleska. The County’s population has grown from 52,000 residents in 1980 to 267,000 residents in 2020. Furthermore, I-575 continues to receive large amounts of traffic, and the County has undergone efforts to envision and plan for future development.

The I-575 and Sixes Road interchange was within the Wildcat character area in the 2023 Cherokee County Comprehensive Plan. The Wildcat character area is characterized by major employment as the primary use, such as office buildings and complexes. Included in the plan was a Community Work Plan (CWP) that listed proposed projects to complete in the upcoming years. One project included the development of a joint area plan with the cities of Holly Springs and Woodstock for the Wildcat area, establishing recommendations for both transportation and development.