By Brent Huff
Change continues to come to South Moreland Avenue. The South Moreland Avenue Working Group (SMAWG) met on February 11 with representatives from the Atlanta Police Department (APD), the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), and the Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) to outline a wave of infrastructure improvements and safety enforcement aimed at improving one of Georgia’s busiest corridors.
Whether you are a commuter, a pedestrian, or a local resident, here is what you need to know about the road ahead:
Zero Tolerance for Traffic Violations: Major Webster of the APD reported that officers have already conducted 255 traffic stops in the first six weeks of 2026. Averaging over 40 stops per week, the message is clear: traffic laws are being strictly enforced to ensure neighbor safety.
I-20 Interchange Reaches Major Milestone: The massive I-20/Moreland Avenue Interchange project is officially in Phase 2 and remains on schedule. Recently, crews began paving the new, wider I-20 West entry ramp. This new ramp will eventually serve both northbound and southbound Moreland Avenue traffic, replacing the current ‘loop entry’ which is slated for removal. Expect a more streamlined and safer merging experience in about 18 months.
Walkability and ADA Upgrades: Pedestrians have reason to celebrate as two major projects move forward.
- Sidewalks and Curbs: ATLDOT will present final stamped plans in March for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant sidewalks and 6-inch safety curbs. The project stretches from I-20 to United Avenue with construction expected to kick off in early 2027.
- New Crosswalks: Four new crossing points are currently under construction at Sanders Ave, Lynwyn Lane, Moreland Drive, and Isa Drive. While the ADA ramps and striping are done, the high-visibility Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) flashing signals will be installed this spring. SMAWG is also continuing to lobby for a much-needed connection between Ormewood Park and Brownwood Park.
Fixing the “Dogleg” Intersection at United and Skyhaven: In what many consider the biggest win for local drivers, the notorious “dogleg” intersection at United Avenue and Skyhaven Road is finally getting a fix. Construction is set to start in June 2026 to straighten the alignment and add dedicated left-turn lanes on Moreland Avenue. This project targets one of the historically most dangerous intersections on Moreland.
Bridging the Gap – HUD Grant Breakthrough: Revitalizing the Intrenchment Creek Bridge has long been a bureaucratic headache due to its location across city and county lines. However, a breakthrough occurred during the same week that the SMAWG meeting was held. Following a $500,000 grant secured by U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams, HUD has approved the use of an independent nonprofit project manager. This green light allows the neighborhood to finally begin the studies to identify fixes for the bridge’s narrow lanes, crumbling sidewalks and ineffective guardrails.
