Athens Reporter

The Athens-Clarke County Transportation and Public Works Department is inviting public input on proposed improvements to the North Avenue corridor until November 1, 2024. The project aims to enhance pedestrian and operational features along a stretch of North Avenue in Athens-Clarke County, beginning just south of its intersection with Willow Street and extending north past Freeman Drive. Proposed enhancements include bicycle and pedestrian facilities over a distance of approximately 1.2 miles.

A public information open house is scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Boys and Girls Club of Athens located at 705 Fourth Street. During this event, staff will provide details about the project and gather feedback on the proposed road improvements. Spanish language interpreters will be present.

In addition to attending the open house, residents can participate in an online survey available at www.accgov.com/northavenue through November 1. Feedback can also be submitted via voicemail in English or Spanish by calling 762-400-8373.

Further information, including background materials, maps, and other project details, can be found on the project's webpage. A video presentation from the Mayor and Commission's October 8 Work Session meeting is also accessible there. Project layouts will be uploaded before the public meeting. Residents have the option to sign up for updates via email or text message through the webpage.

In 2022, ACCGov received $25 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for complete street improvements along North Avenue under the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Discretionary Grant Program. This grant program focuses on enhancing transportation systems' safety, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability in the area.

Initial public engagement took place in 2023 to address concerns and explore design options for North Avenue's development. Construction is slated to commence in fall 2026.

For more information regarding these improvements, contact the Athens-Clarke County Transportation and Public Works Department at 706-613-3440 or email engineering@accgov.com.