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City wants a lower speed on Hwy.74

By BEN NELMS
bnelms@TheCitizenNews.com

Anyone traveling south of the intersection of I-85 and Ga. Highway 74 has noticed the non-stop increase in traffic, now totaling 41,000 vehicles per day.

Responding to current and future concerns over public safety due to traffic congestion, the Fairburn City Council adopted a resolution Monday requesting that Georgia Dept. of Transportation (DOT) decrease the speed limit between I-85 and Milam Road to 45 miles per hour. The resolution also included a request to have a dedicated right turn lane installed on the other side of the expressway for vehicles entering I-85 southbound.

The unanimous vote came after a discussion by city administrator Jim williams and council members on the factors contributing to the congestion in the rapidly growing area and the need to provide a safer environment for the traveling public.

Williams said new and developing businesses are accommodating larger numbers of local residents and those passing along the interstate. That reality will be accentuated in the near and long-term future with the opening of new businesses such as the motels and restaurants and other businesses that will populate the area south of I-85. He said the current 55 mile per hour speed limit between I-85 and Milam Road will hinder the development of property along that stretch of roadway.

Williams added that rush hour traffic would not be affected since the number of vehicles on the road during those times often precludes excessive speed. Lowering the speed limit, he said, will increase safety during non-rush hour periods.

Currently planned or under construction along Hwy.74 immediately south of I-85 are two motels, a restaurant and other retail and commercial businesses. In unincorporated Fulton County just east of Hwy. 74 between I-85 and Oakley Industrial Boulevard is the ongoing construction of another motel and, situated between Hwy. 74 and extending past Ga. Highway 92, land has been prepared for the construction of approximately 1,000 townhomes.

Further down Hwy. 74 at Milam Road, the council recently approved the rezoning of 19.87 acres on the northeast corner of the intersection. The conceptual plan for the site included the proposal of a 60,000 square-foot retail business, 24,300 feet of attached retail space, three outparcels also to be developed as commercial or retail space and parking for more than 500 vehicles.