Clayton County is moving forward with a project that aims to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility on Tara Boulevard, one of the busiest and most dangerous roads in the county. The project will involve installing sidewalks, crosswalks, signals, and lighting along a 10-mile stretch of the road, from Old Dixie Highway to Flint River Road.
Project background and funding
Tara Boulevard is a major arterial road that connects Clayton County with Atlanta and other neighboring counties. It is also a high-crash corridor, with 28 pedestrian fatalities and 42 serious injuries reported between 2015 and 2020, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). Most of these crashes occurred at night or in low-visibility conditions, and involved pedestrians crossing the road outside of intersections or designated crossings.
To address this issue, Clayton County applied for and received a $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s BUILD program in 2020. The grant covers 80% of the total project cost, which is estimated at $31.25 million. The remaining 20% will be funded by the county and GDOT.
Project benefits and timeline
The project will provide several benefits for the residents and visitors of Clayton County, such as:
- Improving pedestrian safety and reducing the risk of crashes and fatalities
- Enhancing pedestrian access and connectivity to transit, businesses, schools, and other destinations
- Encouraging walking and biking as alternative modes of transportation and promoting healthy lifestyles
- Supporting economic development and revitalization along the corridor
The project is expected to begin construction in early 2024 and be completed by late 2025. The county is currently in the design and engineering phase, which involves conducting surveys, environmental assessments, and public outreach. The county is also coordinating with GDOT, the Atlanta Regional Commission, and other stakeholders to ensure the project meets the standards and requirements of the state and federal agencies.
Public input and feedback
The county is seeking public input and feedback on the project, and has set up a website where people can learn more about the project, view the preliminary design plans, and submit their comments and questions. The website is Clayton County Tara Boulevard Pedestrian Project.
The county will also host a virtual public information meeting on January 18, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., where the project team will present the project details and answer questions from the public. The meeting will be broadcast live on the county’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, and will be recorded and posted on the project website for later viewing.
The county encourages the public to participate in the project and share their opinions and suggestions, as they will help shape the final design and outcome of the project.
