The next step, and perhaps most critical, for Avondale Estates in its proposed reconfiguration of U.S. 278 is submitting a concept report to the Georgia Department of Transportation. The three-quarter mile stretch from Sams Crossing to Ashton Place is a state highway, and GDOT has final approval of any changes.
Mark Sweeny, senior associate with Stantec, who’s consulting with the city, said he hopes to get a final draft of the concept report to GDOT by next month. Meantime residents are still encouraged to submit comments and suggestion on the project by going to www.AvondaleEstates.org/US278. This form remains open until 11:59 p.m., March 14.
The plan’s predominant component is slicing 278 from five to three lanes, a longtime goal of the city.
But another challenge involved is making the city’s business district more accessible to residents living south of 278. In the 1930s Avondale planted hedges about a quarter mile long effectively sealing the residential from the business side.
Besides widening sidewalks and shortening the distance to cross 278 on foot, Sweeny said, “We’re looking at moving the curb in on the north side [opposite the hedges] and having on-street parallel parking all the way down. We will maintain the south curb line along the hedges with no sidewalks. But we will pick up with sidewalks [on the south side] at some point after the hedges.”
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