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1. Why are you considering changes to Barnett Shoals Road?

Safety is the top priority for the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and the Transportation and Public Works Department, which is coordinating this effort. When the 2018 resurfacing project was approved, staff reviewed all selected roadways to determine if any safety improvements could be included.

2. Why Barnett Shoals Road?

Safe connectivity for both vehicles and cyclists should be provided wherever possible. Along with all other 4-lane roadways up for resurfacing, Barnett Shoals was evaluated for possible safety enhancements for vehicles and cyclists.

3. Was a traffic study done before these temporary bike lanes were installed?

Yes. The traffic study showed that there was sufficient capacity to change the number of vehicle lanes from four to three. However, rather than recommend the change be made final, Transportation and Public Works recommended a 30-day temporary project to see the changes in action.

4. Why were the bike lanes done on just one side?

The two-way bike lanes on the Green Acres side of the road provided maximum connectivity to Green Acres, Clarkedale, and the residential properties on Barnett Shoals Road. This location also provides safe bicycle access to the recently completed College Station Road bike lanes.

5. Why does the project end before Whitehall Road?

This was the most reasonable place to end the bike lanes through the resurfacing project. Based on the recently completed Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, these bike lanes would not extend to Whitehall Road, but would cut the corner to the southern segment of Barnett Shoals Road and likely become a sidepath (roadside greenway) toward Old Lexington Road, providing improved bicycle access for those neighborhoods as well.

6. Why was it done as a temporary project?

A temporary demonstration allows staff to collect public input and actual traffic data before a permanent change. It also provides the public with an opportunity to experience a two-way cycle track on the street while still allowing possibilities for changes.

7. Have other cities completed temporary bicycle projects?

Yes. Temporary demonstration projects have been used by cities such as Memphis, New York City, Minneapolis, Atlanta, and Seattle to observe reactions and impacts of reconfiguring existing roadways.

8. Does my input matter?

Absolutely! Staff will use the public input along with the collected traffic data to make an informed recommendation to the Mayor and Commission on whether the project should be made permanent. The Mayor and Commission will have access to all of your comments before they make a final decision.