Atlanta City Council moves forward on Complete Streets enhancements

ATLANTA — The Atlanta City Council voted to pass legislation to repurpose $5.84 million in Quality of Life bonds to fund significant public works projects citywide. Just under half of the $5.84 million will go to an impressive list of “Complete Streets” enhancements across the city that have been identified by the Department of Public Works as high priority bicycle projects, including upgrades to existing bicycle lanes and the addition of “high quality” bicycle facilities such as buffered bicycle lanes.

In addition, eight priority projects, some of which have federal dollars already allocated to them, include replacement of the Adams Drive bridge and streetscape improvements to Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard, Greenbriar Parkway and East Atlanta Village. Additionally, the legislation funds sidewalk repairs and replacements in Southwest Atlanta and various ADA sidewalk compliance projects across the city.

Students and faculty cycling near Georgia Tech, Georgia State and the Atlanta University Center will see improvements in the corridors near their universities with enhancements coming to Fifth Street, Decatur Street and Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, respectively.

Councilmember Aaron Watson, a member of the Finance Committee and vice-chair of the Transportation Committee stated, “This legislation empowers the city to fund infrastructure improvements while continuing to advance our bicycle transportation initiatives. Upon completion of the cycling projects, citizens will see improved connections to the Atlanta BeltLine and PATH Foundation trails. Additionally, the sidewalk projects in particular address the mobility concerns of our elderly and those with disabilities.”