CLEVELAND - An official grand opening and road-naming ceremony was held Tuesday afternoon for the State Route 11/US 129 North Appalachian Parkway in Cleveland, previously known as the Cleveland Bypass.
During the program, White County Commission Chairman Travis Turner, State Senator Steve Gooch and State Representative Terry Rogers unveiled the official Appalachian Parkway road sign before cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
Senator Gooch, a Dahlonega resident who was one of the driving forces behind the new roadway, welcomed the crowd that gathered at the south end of the project. After officially opening the roadway, Gooch said, “This is the last day you can use the word bypass with the official naming of the roadway as the Appalachian Parkway.”
Most of the local officials speaking at the ceremony referred to the many years it has taken to get to where we are today. That included former White County Commission Chairman Roger London, who was elected to office in 1996. He said, “Early responsibilities or goals, this was one of the priorities. Immediately, we began to make meetings at the state capitol....we met with Georgia DOT....across the street had several interesting exchanges. But here now, almost 20 years to that date, I’m back and able to have a part in the grand opening of this nice highway.”
White County Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Bailey talked about the economic development impact of a project like this: “Anytime you build a new road, you have growth and commerce, and I think that is evident by the fact that on the Cleveland Courthouse square [there are] three businesses right now that are in the process of opening," she said. "And to my right...is evidence of what’s happening right across the street from us as far as economic development,' Bailey added. She was referring to the grading and construction that is underway for a Taco Bell restaurant at the south end of the parkway.
Officials pointed out that the first phase of the project cost around $17 million dollars, with phase two, which is currently underway, expected to cost $20 million dollars. That figure does not include the right-of-way and other investments, but Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurray told the crowd it’s worth the investment.
“Cutting the ribbon on this first section of the parkway makes a big difference for all the reasons that have already been articulated," he said. "We’ve seen it time and time again: how a downtown will prosper because you have the right kind of traffic coming to your town, not the wrong kind, and this gives the ability for the right kind of traffic to come into Cleveland.”
After the ceremony those attending were able to join a special escort, led by White County Sheriff Neal Walden and Cleveland Police Chief John Foster, and be a part of history by riding on White County’s first four-lane roadway.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/11/352145/ribbon-cutting-held-for-appalachian-parkway-in-cleveland