TDK extension should be ready next summer

The extension of TDK Boulevard from Peachtree City into Coweta County will likely be completed next summer despite the need to realign the road around the runway safety area outside Falcon Field.

Peachtree City Engineer Troy Besseche gave that estimated completion date to the City Council Thursday night. The completion date really hinges on finishing the bridge that will span Line Creek, Besseche said.

“The construction of the bridge controls the timeline at this point,” Besseche said.

The road’s proposed footprint had to be realigned to avoid the safety area, which the Federal Aviation Administration has argued should be protected from vehicular traffic.

To build the new road design, the city will need to use two golf holes on the Planterra Ridge golf course, Besseche said. To relocate the two holes, the city may purchase some undeveloped land just north of those two holes, but the details have not been finalized, Besseche said.

Although there are indications the FAA may be able to provide funds to acquire the property for the golf course, FAA officials could not commit to that at a recent meeting, Besseche noted.

The runway safety area for Falcon Field extends 1,000 feet beyond Falcon Field’s runway and is designed to give aircraft extra room if problems arise during takeoff or landing.

There were several other ideas to avoid realigning the road’s path, including lowering the road, but none of those ideas were palatable to the FAA, Besseche added.

Golf course officials are happy about relocating the two holes, which will improve them, Besseche said.