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DOT reviewing plan for streetscape in downtown Fayetteville

Would eliminate sparsely used lane of traffic, add bike lane

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

A plan to add extra-wide sidewalks along West Lanier Avenue is still being reviewed by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

The proposal is unique because Fayetteville officials are asking the DOT to close the far left hand lane to make room for the project. The lane is used sparsely and isn’t very long, beginning at Glynn Street (Ga. Highway 54) and ending at Tiger Trail.

A traffic consulting firm which studied usage of the lane said it is largely used as a turn lane for businesses located on that side of the street.

City officials think the lane can be better used for pedestrian purposes, linking Fayette County High School and The Villages at LaFayette subdivision to the downtown area. Also in the plan is a four-foot-wide lane for bicycle traffic.

Several people who criticized the “fancy sidewalk” at a city meeting several months ago said they thought the current sidewalk was working just fine. Although some argued that traffic in the area is already scary, consultants from EDAW said studies show traffic slows down when pedestrian traffic and trees are nearby.

The city has received a $1.45 million grant to implement its streetscape plan, which includes extra-wide sidewalks lined by trees on either side and decorative lighting. The grant came from an Atlanta Regional Commission’s program to promote projects which allow people to avoid using cars for transportation purposes.

The city will be kicking in $362,200 for the project, with construction perhaps beginning in the spring, officials said. Of that total, $253,540 would come from impact fees assessed on new homes and $108,660 would come from Fayetteville’s Downtown Development Authority.