I’ve been writing this column for nearly four years and I come across a lot of issues – either from my own observations or through feedback from readers, listeners and viewers. Going through my notebook recently, I came across several that warrant checking out. Look for follow-ups in future columns.
316 on game day Saturdays
I’ve been to dozens of Georgia football games over the past decade and a half. A majority of those were when I was working as a part of the broadcast crew, usually hosting a Friday night talk show the day before the game or a Saturday night talk show after the game. Most times I would go to Athens on Friday and stay the night or go up ridiculously early on Saturday morning to help set up the broadcast.
A couple of weeks ago I went up as a fan for a noon game. I left Atlanta late and paid the price. Highway 316 was an absolute nightmare. I knew 316 is rough on game days, I just didn’t know how bad. Never again. Surely something can be done about the traffic lights in Gwinnett and Barrow counties on Saturdays to help things out.
The light on 78 at 124
After taking 316 to Athens and cursing up a storm, I knew full well I wasn’t going to take it back to Atlanta after the game. I chose to take Highway 78 instead. Although there were a lot more traffic lights it was a much smoother ride. Except for the light at Highway 78 and Highway 124 in Snellville. For some reason, the light was holding traffic on 78 longer than on 124. That doesn’t make sense.
The yellow poles on Peachtree Road at Pharr Road
Within the last month or so, tall yellow poles were placed on southbound lanes of Peachtree Road approaching Pharr Road. The question is why? Is it to prevent motorists from exiting that lane? Is it to prevent pedestrians from crossing outside the crosswalk? I’m not sure, but I’ll make some calls and try to find out.
No 75 entrance ramp sign on Windy Hill heading east
While traveling from my in-law’s house back to town I took Windy Hill eastbound to I-75. I noticed that there are no signs on Windy Hill indicating where to turn to go on I-75 southbound. There were signs indicating the entrance ramp to I-75 northbound, but none to the southbound ramps. Someone not familiar to the area could become very confused.
MARTA bus stop on Roswell Rd at the end of the ramp from 285.
This is just nuts. MARTA actually has a bus stop at the end of the ramp from I-285 eastbound onto Roswell Road southbound. Yes, you read that correctly. There is actually a bus stop there. It’s at the corner of Roswell Road and Northwood Drive. So, when a bus stops there it jams up the ramp from I-285 and the southbound lanes of Roswell Road. Come on MARTA, you’re better than that.
The new light on West Paces Ferry at I-75.
Recently a new light was added to westbound West Paces Ferry at the I-75 southbound ramp. The new light features a flashing yellow turn light that allows motorists to turn onto I-75 if no on-coming traffic is approaching. It is a huge improvement over the previous light which only featured a green-arrow and made drivers sit needlessly when there was no on coming from the other direction. Kudos to whoever made this change.
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