The Georgia Department of Transportation is shutting down a traffic signal next week at Ga. 13/Atlanta Highway and Ga. 369/Jesse Jewell Parkway/Browns Bridge Road.

The move is the result of a 2011 traffic study that revealed "there were not sufficient vehicles utilizing this intersection to meet the minimum federal requirements," according to a DOT press release this morning from District 1 spokeswoman Teri Pope.

The light will be turned off for six months, starting March 13.

During the six months, the intersection's "operation and safety record will be evaluated," Pope said.

After March 13, vehicles will be able to turn left from Ga. 369 onto Ga. 13 anytime after yielding to oncoming traffic. Now, drivers must wait for a green left-turn arrow before turning.

"Nothing changes for vehicles coming into town on Atlanta Highway," said Brent Cook, Georgia DOT district traffic engineer.

Traffic won't be allowed to turn left onto Ga. 369, but motorists "may turn right after yielding to traffic coming into town on Jesse Jewell," Cook said.

If after the six months, "the data is found to be acceptable without the control of a traffic signal, the existing traffic signal equipment will be permanently removed," Pope said.