GAINESVILLE - Even though the public meetings are over for Hall County's GHMPO 2040 Regional Transportation Plan, area residents can still give their opinions on the proposal before it's adopted by community leaders.
The fourth and final public meeting was held Tuesday night at the Hall County Government Center.
Eric Lusher with Pond & Co., the engineering company working with the Gainesville-Hall Metropolitan Planning Organization on the 2040 plan, gave attendees the status of the project list, outlining notable short-term, mid-term and long-term projects. (See link below.) While the list is complete for the most part, the public will still have a chance to possibly influence the project list during a public comment period that lasts until April 24.
Sam Baker, the Senior Transportation Planner for the GHMPO, said the projects on the list can be funded even if the transportation bill currently moving through the Georgia General Assembly does not pass. If the measure is approved, though, Baker said there might be money to add projects.
"We started and developed this plan with the assumption that there is no such additional funding available from the state at this point, so if something new happens, we will amend our plan," said Baker.
Baker said the project that has garnered the most attention from the public is the Spout Springs Road widening project, something that is on the plan's short-term list.
"It has been mentioned over and over," said Baker. "We have also heard about the Sardis Connector."
That project is also on the short-term list, meaning it will be developed in the next six to seven years if money is available.
One project Baker said was mentioned numerous times was the widening of Brown's Bridge Road. Baker said despite the interest, that project was placed on the long-term list.
"People feel that it should be widened. Unfortunately, Forsyth County doesn't feel that way," said Baker. "So, what we are going to do is look at some interim projects to improve the flow of traffic on the Hall County portion of Brown's Bridge."
Fewer than two dozen residents showed up to see the final public presentation for the $1.54 billion 25-year plan.
Baker acknowledged that the turnout was smaller than he had hoped; however, he said Gainesville and Hall County residents had been active in the entire process.
"I see a lot fewer people come into similar meetings in downtown Atlanta, so people here are more involved, and that is very encouraging to see," said Baker.
Final adoption of the regional transportation plan is set for May.
Tuesday
November 5th, 2024
11:33AM
