Wednesday, October 24, 2001
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Wednesday, October 24, 2001 |
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Rower:Traffic plan to stress shift changes, cooperation What about traffic? Last week I discussed development impact fees and how Peachtree City is planning for decreases in revenue, as impact fees decline. Should you have additional concerns regarding this topic, e-mail me at g-rower@mindspring.com . The topic this week is traffic. How we got here. In 1987 when Frederick Brown, Jr. was mayor, the council and staff realized that in the near future, the flow of traffic in Peachtree City would require four lanes on Ga. highways 54 and 74. A request to accomplish this was submitted to the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT), because hwys. 54 and 74 are state highways, and only the Georgia DOT has the authority to approve and make changes to a state highway. The widening of Hwy. 54 west of Hwy. 74 was finally approved and construction was set to begin in 2001. However, in 1996 the highway funds for Hwy. 54, as well as many others, were postponed at least two years so improvements could be made for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Where we stand today. Georgia DOT has given its approval to widen Hwy. 54 west of Hwy. 74. The projected completion date is 2004. What else can be done? Our traffic problem stems from an overwhelmed intersection design, uncoordinated signal lights, and more and more cars. This includes people coming into our community to work, people leaving to work outside the community, and our neighbors who transit the city on their way to and from the interstate. All of this contributes to the congestion. I have put together a plan that should provide some relief. It is a no-cost plan that only asks one thing, cooperation. I have already begun approaching business leaders in the industrial park with the idea of adjusting shift work. Every business that has more than 10 employees will be asked if they can adjust their work schedules by 15, 30, or 60 minutes. With that information and through a cooperative effort we can make some changes that will reduce the traffic congestion during the peak periods. This simple, no-cost plan is a community-based effort asking only for cooperation and should give us the short-term relief we need. What about the future? Our future requires a mayor who can work with the surrounding communities, counties and state to ensure a comprehensive traffic plan that allows flow into and out of the heart of Peachtree City. With your vote for Gary Rower as mayor on Nov. 6, together we can make a difference. Gary Rower Candidate for mayor Peachtree City
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