By Paul Bolster
According to a report from The South Moreland Avenue Working Group (SMAWG), the resurfacing project should have started prior to April 3. Georgia DOT announced that the $2.8 million project will resurface Moreland Ave. from the Starlight to the Edgewood Shopping Center. Lanes will be closed as the work progresses at night between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays. The main part of the work, including milling and paving of surface lanes, will start in May and will take 60 days with completion of this phase by July.
The South Moreland Avenue Working Group (SMAWG) has discussed with GDOT the need for deeper milling where curbs are covered over by prior re-paving. They told SMAWG members at their March meeting they would discuss the possibilities of deeper milling with the contractor. This effort will be limited by existing drainage systems and the pitch of the road from crown to curb.
New striping will be part of the project. They will use striping to simulate a median where the 5th lane currently exists. This will in part be a test for the installation of a raised median in the next project.
Following the resurfacing GDOT is committed to a “Quick Response” project that is likely to include: 1. Feedback Speed Limit signs and coordinated State and City enforcement; 2. Crosswalks with pedestrian beacons in three or four locations (locations to be determined); 3. Medians that are either cement or landscaped. Some details and feasibility issues regarding this project are still to be determined, but SMAWG members are pleased with the progress and will continue to advocate for improved pedestrian access and safety.
Some concerns have not moved to resolution. Curbs have disappeared in many places along Moreland and need to be replaced. The cost is higher than can be done under a Quick Response project. While SMAWG members are pleased that the city has repaired some sidewalks, the full length of this urban road needs new or repaired sidewalks. The Committee also discussed with GDOT the possibility of replacing the bridge over Entrenchment Creek to improve safety and allow for the development of a Path Foundation connection under the bridge that could then easily[P1] connect to the Beltline.
Community advocacy with our elected officials can and will be helpful on all of these issues.
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