An information session has been called to discuss the "needs analysis" portion of a traffic study concerning Ga. 52/Morrison Moore Parkway in Dahlonega.

The meeting is set for 2-4 p.m. Thursday at Dahlonega City Hall, 465 Riley Road.

Georgia Department of Transportation engineers, planners and other transportation experts will be available to answer questions about the study.

Here are a few of the key findings from the needs analysis:

• Lumpkin County's population is expected to grow by 60 percent and employment by 40 percent in the next 25 years.
• New growth within Dahlonega is expected to be primarily nonresidential, including redevelopment and construction on now-vacant land.
• One half of Lumpkin workers travel outside the county to go to their jobs.
• Traffic in and out of the study area is expected to grow 77 percent over the next 25 years. The study area includes Ga. 52 from Ga. 60 to Wal-Mart Way, intersecting roads and downtown Dahlonega.
• Growth at North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega will continue to drive steady but modest growth in the city's population.
• Ga. 60 from Ga. 400 to and from East Main Street is the busiest two-lane corridor in Lumpkin, and Morrison Moore at South Chestatee Street is the busiest intersection in Dahlonega.

Morrison Moore has seen rapid growth over the years, including the opening of businesses, a Walmart shopping center and a parks and recreation complex.

The DOT is conducting the study with Dahlonega, Lumpkin County and NGCSU.

The traffic study is expected to be finished by Aug. 31.