Commissioners hear State Route 5 updates from GDOT
Board of Commissioners March 24, 2022
FANNIN, Ga. — The Fannin County Board of Commissioners heard updates on State Route 5 construction projects and approved purchases for the county’s jail and recreation center at their latest meeting
State Route 5 Projects
District Engineer Grant Waldrop, along with others involved in the project, spoke to the commissioners about current and future construction along SR 5. The board was presented with a map that detailed the six projects that will take place in the coming years.
District Six Project Manager Sonja Thompson explained “The purpose of the project is to provide improvements between Blue Ridge and McCaysville … to construct a truck alternate route around McCaysville and Copperhill downtown areas … and we are also making operational and maintenance improvements along the state route,” and that the project will widen SR 5 from a two lane road to a four lane road with a center turn lane until Old Flowers Road.
She also noted that the project is divided into six sections, and briefly described what each project section entailed:
Project 0017040, an approximately 1.23 mile stretch of SR 5, will include upgrades to the Progress Circle traffic signal and a designated bike lane.
Thompson noted that Project 0017039 is the largest section of project at approximately 5.55 miles of State Route 5, beginning at Pineview Lane and ending near Wash Wilson Road. She told the board “It’s going to take approximately about two years to acquire [the right of way] because there’s over 200 parcels in this section of roadway,” emphasizing the size of the project section.
Project 0017038, approximately 1.52 miles of SR 5 between Wash Wilson Road and Old Flowers Road, is already under construction. “It’s exciting to come provide this update for the Highway 5 widening project, especially now that we’re actually into a phase where you can start seeing some of that heavy civil construction,” Waldrop told the board. In further conversation, the board was informed that the contractor intends to shift traffic when the project starts.
Thompson said Project 0017782, at a length of approximately 1.83 miles, is commonly referred to as the “side walk roundabout section.” It will include new sidewalks, curbing, a roundabout at School Street, and a signal at West Tennessee Avenue.
Project 0017784 will bypass downtown McCaysville and Copperhill. It will veer off from the School Street roundabout and stop at the state line. On the Tennessee side, Project 620490 will continue and loop into Ocoee Street, said Thompson.
Costs and Letting Dates
In an email, District 6 Communications Officer Joe Schulman shared the estimated letting dates and costs of each project: “Cost for the projects are updated each year as a minimum, along with any major changes and are estimated using the current design.” Letting for Project 0017040 will begin at the start of 2024 with an estimated approximate cost of $17 million. Project 0017039 letting begins in the summer of 2024 at an estimated cost of $53 million. Letting for Project 0017782 is mid-2022 with a $14 million cost estimation. Project 0017784 and 620490 both have an estimated letting date of mid-2024 but an approximate cost of $5 million and $15 million respectively.
Other Business
Recreation Director Eddie O’Neal presented the bids for security cameras at the Fannin County Recreation center. The commissioners compared three bids and approved the bid from Mountain Valley Systems LLC. At a total cost of $8,278.25, 15 new cameras will be purchased for the recreation center.
At Sherrif Dane Kirby’s request, the commissioners approved the purchase of dual view X-ray equipment for the Fannin County Jail. The purchase, a total of $165,250, will come from SPLOST Public Safety funds, and will include the installation and calibration of the equipment, operator training, and two years of warranty. In addition, the board considered a potential purchase of an additional three years of warranty at a later date.
The board also approved two appointments during the meeting. Both Angelina Powell and Anita Weaver were unanimously appointed to the Tax Assessors Board and Fannin County Water Authority Board respectively.
UNG and developers ask for county’s financial assistance for DOT project
News April 19, 2021
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – University of North Georgia Blue Ridge (UNG) hopes Fannin County will cover the $35,000 shortfall for its Hwy. 515 entrance.
The goal of the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) project is to make it easier for students traveling from Blue Ridge (North on 515) to turn into UNG. Currently, they must travel past the college and make a U-turn.
A third of the 200 plus students at UNG are dual-enrolled. They’re young drivers who go visit the campus several times a day depending on their class schedule.
Of course, the entrance also leads to the KOA campground so RVs are using the road and making U-turns too.
Post One Johnny Scearce, who attended the meeting via Zoom, stressed that they needed to make the road as safe as possible.
GDOT engineered the entrance three times and concluded that an R-cut would best suit everyone’s needs. At this time, GDOT doesn’t believe there’s enough traffic for another red light.
With the city of Blue Ridge, UNG secured a $150,000 matching grant from GDOT. The winning big for the project was $220,000 from Colditz. The university’s already paid $35,000 and developers spent $58,000 in engineering expenses. UNG hopes the county will put up the remaining $35,000.
The project’s already in motion with an estimated completion date of 60 days.
Chairman Hensley moved to table the project until the next meeting.
Recreation Department
Recreation Department Director Eddie O’Neal presented two SPLOST projects and one reimbursable FEMA project. The commissioners approved a $67,080 remodel of the soccer concession stand, $31,080 for labor from Wolf Creek, and the remaining $36,000 for materials. The recreation department will buy the materials using its tax-exempt status. The project won’t exceed the approved amount.
$23,600 was approved for the drawing and assistance with Biome Architects for fields six and seven.
Extensive storm damage caused and undercut on the creek bank and a new storm drain is needed to guarantee part safety. Biome Architects agreed to rush through drawing for the project for $5,700. The second bid of $42,710 was approved for the labor and reconstruction portion. The first bid was $203,000.
Crews can only complete 1,000 square feet per day. They estimate the project to take three weeks.
Once completed Fannin can apply to FEMA for an approximate 80 percent reimbursement.
Public Works
Commissioners approved a $7,000 repair for one of the flatbed trucks. The vehicle’s in good shape with a new transmission and new brakes.
E911
E911 Director Patrick Cooke received approval to seek bids for new radio consoles. The current radios were installed in 2005 and have reached end of life. Parts and service will no longer be available for those units. The new consoles were budgeted for 2021, but E911 has funds for the project.
New radios could cost around $125,000.
Bids will be presented next month.
Budget Amendments
A $44,072 budget amendment was approved by the commissioners to cover salary expenses and line items for the Appalachian Judicial Circuit employees. The previous commission board let the 2021 budget flat because of COVID-19 unknowns, but the other two counties in the judicial circuit passed the increase previously.
On the same token, following executive session, the commissioners unanimously approved a three percent pay raise for county employees. The raise will cover a cost-of-living increase.
Building Moratorium
A moratorium was put into place for structures of more than 72 feet from the footers to the top of the roof. It will be in place for six months.
The Maze of Answers That Answer Nothing : City of Blue Ridge
Citizens Speak, Downtown Blue Ridge, Opinion June 15, 2020
Remember the days of old when you went to the Fair and visited the House of Mirrors. You made your way through the maze looking at the confusing, funny and often times distorted reflections. It was something fun, amusing and sometimes challenging to go through that maze. Yet, why are those childhood memories suddenly replaced with the challenge of the maze citizens find themselves in while trying to discover answers to questions from government.
I recently attended the City of Blue Ridge’s Town Hall on Annexation. I was called to the podium and quickly voiced my concerns to the Council as you only have two minutes. After I went through the questions, I was told to leave a copy and they would respond. A week later that response arrived.
My first question was why are developers ‘driving the bus’ with annexation? I’m not certain how the response was even relevant to the question, but it basically said the expansion of new business and developments in the designated area would create the need for city services. OK, but what I asked was why are developers leading all these efforts.
One developer initiated the discussion on annexation in 2017 and later brought in a few others who wanted it. Four developers discussed their plans at the City Council Meeting on May 19. Now the City has confirmed there are 10 interested in annexation. Since we now know what the developers want, it would be nice if the City would share what their vision is for Blue Ridge.
We need to know, with certainty, that the City has development plans, zoning and land use protocols in place. What is even more important is those plans should have been developed with input from the public and be accessible for public review.
The City is embarking on an attempt to secure rights to portions of two highly trafficked roadways, one of which is scheduled for a significant expansion, but what are their plans for the area? If the first developer who spoke at the May 19 Council meeting is any indication — hold on — because their plans look more in line with Gwinnett County than Fannin.
My next question focused on the public and what they wanted for their community. I was told that the majority of letters and conversations the City received had supported annexation. The majority of letters? Where are those letters? Better yet, if there was such overwhelming support, why would three Council members suggest they needed to get input from the public and County Commissioners and ask to schedule the Town Hall?
One Council member told me it was uncertain how they could move forward when the majority who spoke opposed the annexation. It is disappointing the Council did not include any information concerning annexation at its most recent meeting (June 9). From what I’m told from the County ‘nothing more has transpired’ with regard to meeting with the Commissioners. We also know a letter was sent to Speaker Ralston asking him to hold off on the Annexation Resolution unless the City advised otherwise. So what is the status of the annexation and why is the Council now silent?
Probably the key question in everyone’s mind is what is the total cost for the annexation. While this question has been asked numerous times and the response varies only a little, it remains vague and unknown. Here are the responses I’ve received so far:
— We’re only annexing the road and right of way – there is no cost
— Some things are paid by GDOT at no cost
— Minimal costs for legal fees and an ad for the newspaper
— The cost is minimal compared to the revenue that would be generated
We still have no clear understanding of what the cost will be and continue to be told there is no cost and they will apply for a grant.
Impact studies are important for any city considering a change in zoning or an annexation. What will the impact be on existing infrastructure? How many car trips in and out of these large developments will impact existing roads and neighborhoods? Has the City analyzed what spare capacities their systems have and when they will need to be increased? Are there any backlogs in maintenance to existing systems and if so what is the financial burden of those backlogs? What is the impact to a current homeowner who could very well see their taxes increase? Noise impact? Quality of life impact? The list goes on.
No one knows, but the response said that GDOT makes the decisions for the roads, traffic lights, access lanes, etc. Yes, GDOT is responsible for the road, but they are not responsible for zoning, land use, what current systems can handle, current debt load and an understanding of what the citizens want their community to look like. This, again, is where developers are leading the parade and the City has willingly joined it.
I asked about sewer treatment because this falls in the category of impact when looking at infrastructure. I’ve heard there are some concerns with the facility. I’ll quote the response:
“The 22 year old sewer plant has been experiencing problems with repair cost. There is a need to comply with NEW EPD regulations, temperature control, belt press, dehydrator and various other issues to keep the plant operating efficiently. A Grant/Loan was applied for to correct these issues in the amount of $5M and has been awarded in the past few weeks. A portion of these upgrades is funded by a Loan requiring a payment to be offset by current customer rate increases or by adding NEW customers.”
My question to citizens is, did you know the City made a commitment to a loan that will come from either current customer rate increases or adding new customers?
With the first developer stating his is a twenty-year plan, at what point will they be adding new customers to share the load? Does the developer pay a connection fee and then the new home owner assume the role of ‘new customer’? What happens if something goes wrong with the development and the City’s outlay is not matched and exceeded by that magical anticipated revenue? Based on their response – customer rate increases.
The financial part remains a ‘smoke and mirrors’ situation. For as many times as citizens have asked what is the cost, what is the financial impact, the response remains “there is no financial burden to taxpayers”. The City states “The proposed annexation would increase sales tax dollars for the City and County and NEW sewer revenue for the City.” I have yet to figure out how those sewer lines will suddenly appear in the dirt and who will pay for them to be placed there.
There is one question that haunts me trying to get through this maze – What if? What if these developments are not quite as successful as they are being marketed? Any challenge to the economy or the housing market will greatly impact the success or failure of development plans. Blue Ridge markets itself as a place to slow down and relax. What happens when you build high density, new urbanist developments? Will tourists be drawn to the same crowded developments and traffic they have where they live now and want to escape from? I don’t think so.
An additional impact is what happens when a high-price development is built in close proximity to average priced homes for the general population. When I asked if people would be able to afford their taxes due to the impact of high-priced developments nearby and increases in assessments, the response was “the impact is unknown at this time.”
Annexation is often thought of as a quick fix to bring in revenue without really doing all the math. I’m not convinced the math has been done. I also remain steadfast in my concerns for how these decisions will impact taxpayers. The fact most of these discussions were done without any public knowledge sends a clear message and one of concern. Why would a City not want public input and support so the project is a win for everyone.
My last question asked what possible impact could the thoughts of the citizens have on the Council when most had already expressed their strong support for this annexation in the May 19 meeting. The project manager encouraged me to reach out to the Council members to determine their position on annexation. He did say he supported the annexation based on economic progress and job creation. He also said the City has zoning and any development would have to adhere to those guidelines. It should be noted that the developer who first sought this annexation chairs the Planning Commission and also sits on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Since I have found no published minutes from either of those Boards, I can only wonder if he was or will be involved in anything regarding the review of and decision making with this annexation. Speculation, of course, but a real concern.
The closing comment from the project manager was “It is imperative that the growth along those highways have regulations to protect adjoining neighbors and maintain the beauty of our community.” Why was that not the focus and commitment spoken by every Council member and the Mayor? It should have been the first comment made. It should make me feel more comfortable, but a few questions earlier he said “the impact (on surrounding neighborhoods) is unknown at this time”.
The fact that impact is unknown is what just turned this maze into a house without an exit, when/if they move forward with annexation, there will be no way to escape whatever consequences may result. Annexation is a critical decision and one that should not be made hastily. I certainly hope the City will step back, get the public involved in developing a future plan, include the County and work together for a better tomorrow.
I want to close by saying I know our elected officials have an enormous responsibility, but I also strongly believe in public input. I don’t want to see a community lost to the direction of developers while the public is pushed to the sidelines. I hope our elected realize there are citizens who are knowledgeable and they should not be dismissed. If they are so quick to buy into a developer’s pie-in-the-sky projected revenues, then why not give equal time and respect to the average citizen.
Donna Thompson
Blue Ridge, GA
GDOT and Commissioners Reach Agreement on Shallowford Bridge
News, Police & Government October 23, 2019
BLUE RIDGE, GA – Commissioners signed a memorandum with GDOT agreeing to keep the existing Shallowford Bridge while GDOT constructs a new two-lane structure.
Scheduled to begin construction in spring 2021, the new two-lane bridge will take around a year to complete. Until then, the existing truss bridge will remain in place. GDOT will bear the total cost of the new bridge.
In the memorandum, the county takes over the liability and maintenance of the original Shallowford Bridge once GDOT completes the new structure.
The two-lane bridge will provide additional safety benefits for the county with an increased weight limit for larger trucks, safety vehicles, and school buses to use. Currently, a 7-ton limit exists on Shallowford Bridge.
“If we do not agree or sign this memorandum, then GDOT will demo the bridge, and this old 101-year-old bridge that is part of Fannin County history would be lost forever,” explained Chairman Stan Helton.
Shallowford Bridge would permanently close to car traffic, and the county will decide on future use, either leave it open to pedestrians or close it altogether.
Previous concepts of the new bridge from GDOT.
Citizens of Fannin County expressed their desire to save Shallowford Bridge, and professional engineers will determine the best way to go about the project.
“Certainly sometime in the future, money will have to be spent on this bridge. How much will be determined on what kind of use we have,” stated Helton.
Post one Commissioner Earl Johnson agreed saving Shallowford Bridge is the best route to go for the county, “It’s part of a long line of history for the county. It’s going to cost money to maintain it, but I think it’s money well spent. I can’t remember a time people didn’t refer to Shallowford Bridge as Shallowford Bridge.”
Additionally, Johnson asked if GDOT could provide an update on Madola Rd. Bridge in the next meeting.
GDOT Pleads for Safe Back to School Driving in Northwest Georgia
Announcements August 5, 2019
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GDOT Budget for Madola Bridge Project Approved
Community, Fannin County EMA/EMS, News April 27, 2019
Blue Ridge, Ga – The Fannin County Board of Commissioners approved a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for Madola Road bridge construction during the Tuesday, April 23 board meeting.
The commissioners and GDOT must agree on the proposed budget before construction or improvements can proceed. Costs for the project will be split between the state of Georgia and Fannin County with the county expected to pay 50%. The shared cost includes not only bridge work but right of way acquisitions and expenses during the construction process.
GDOT recently recalculated the initial estimate of $327,000 and lowered the proposed expenses to $150,000 total with Fannin paying $75,000 instead of $163,500.
“I like that quite a bit compared to what we had,” said Fannin County Chairman Stan Helton.
“It’s an important bridge to the community. The state’s going to be taking a majority of the cost. I think $75,000 is a very good number for Fannin County,” stated Post One Commissioner Earl Johnson.
The Madola Road bridge over Fightingtown Creek is scheduled to be replaced starting in 2022.
Construction will not begin until July 1, 2022, or later. The state still needs to approve the proposed project budget. Only once the budget receives the sign-off from the state will the county have to pay $75,000. Also, the expected amount could still change between now and the start of construction.
Madola Road Bridge built in 1956 was downgraded to a 5-ton weight limit in 2017 by GDOT. The department marked the bridge for replacement during that same inspection. Due to the limited usage, these improvements will open the road back up to motorists with larger hauls.
The Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the MOA and go forward with the project.
Next, Robert Graham, Fannin County EMA Director, announced that the county received a $26,000 federal grant to update the hazard mitigation plan.
A hazard mitigation plan is in place to help lessen the impact of disasters through identifying risks and vulnerabilities and developing long-term strategies to protect people and property. Fannin County’s current plan is updated every five years with November 2016 being the most recent plan approval.
Graham added, “These grants are only available after there has been a disaster in Georgia, then the federal government makes this hazard mitigation money available.”
The grant amount broke down as follows:
• Federal Share: $19,500
• State Share: $2,600
• Local share: $3,900
According to Graham, previously the county portion was paid via in-kind labor, and he expects the same this time, meaning the local portion will be minimal if anything at all.
If approved, Graham will have a new plan in place in 2020.
Road Construction Beginning in June
News May 15, 2019
Blue Ridge, Ga – GDOT (Georgia Department of Transportation) grants determine county road projects for the year and construction will begin soon.
Director of Public Works Zack Ratcliff approached the Fannin County Board of Commissioners with updated grant money estimates from GDOT for road improvements.
New asphalt construction will begin around June.
GDOT’s Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) goes toward improving roads and bridges in the county. The organization gave Fannin County $664,195.59 to lay new asphalt. The amount increased by $4,000 from 2018.
The estimated total for the paving project is $1.5M, which includes the grant with a 30 percent match required from the county. It would be paid out of the roads and bridges SPLOST.
The project is now out to bid according to Georgia’s guidelines. The acceptance of bids will run for a couple of weeks, and the paving should start around the first of June.
Commissioner Earl Johnson said, “He is glad of the amount that we’re receiving from the state.”
Next, GDOT’s Safety Assistance Program, part of LMIG, is providing funds for striping of county roads. The grant is for $69,000 with the county providing a 30 percent match for a total of $89,700.
Thermal Plastic will be used for the restriping in the county.
Chairman Stan Helton added, “We have to do this according to their standards, which is pretty exacting and pretty expensive, but it’s still worth it since they’re giving us this kind of money.”
Helton also commended Ratcliff for going to GDOT’s district office to lobby for more funds to update the county’s road striping project.
“This comes out to $8,800 per mile, and we’re looking at ten miles,” Post Two Commissioner Glenn Patterson contributed.
This restriping will be eight miles of Aska Road and two miles of Old 76. These roads were chosen by GDOT. The material used will be thermal plastic. It’s heated up to 400 degrees and sits on top of the pavement. The plastic’s more durable than water-based paint typically used by the county and can last up to three times as long as paint.
Post One Commissioner Earl Johnson clarified that striping season only lasts for five months out of the year, and weather will wear striping off the road. Ratcliff added that striping can’t be laid in unfavorable conditions.
“You can go on some state roads right now and it’s hard to see the yellow line. It’s just the nature of the business, and the only way to take care of that is restriping every year. And no one can afford that. At all times, some of our road striping is going better than others and that’s why. It’s just not cost effective to restripe every road every year,” said Johnson.
Where will the new Iron Bridge be? Citizens voice their opinion over placement.
Community, News February 6, 2019
Blue Ridge, Ga. – Citizens united to express concerns over the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) initial plans to replace the Shallowford Bridge or “Iron Bridge” located off of Aska Road, and now they unite once again to present solutions rather than complaints to GDOT about the future of the Aska Adventure Area.
Originally the fate of the Shallowford Bridge came into question when plans emerged for a replacement bridge in the area.
Constructed from a steel truss frame and having a wooden deck to allow for traffic, the 100 year old Shallowford Bridge spans 175 feet crossing the Toccoa River. The bridge also forms part of the Benton MacKaye Trail.
These concerns were relieved when GDOT announced that they would not be demolishing the Shallowford Bridge, but rather would be constructing a new bridge nearby. GDOT also expressed that they would be willing to “hand over” the bridge to become property of Fannin County leaving the county responsible for maintenance.
The new location of an upgraded bridge has many residents and business owners in the area concerned. Set almost directly beside the Shallowford Bridge, citizens feel that this could cause more congestion and more safety issues in the area.
“The majority of us, we’re not against the bridge,” Kimberly Wolfe co-owner of the Iron Bridge General Store and Cafe said explaining the purpose of the meeting. “We feel like we do need a new bridge. That’s not an issue. The placement of the new bridge is a huge issue.”
“This one (Shallowford Bridge) has been on the radar for a long time. Out of 100 it scores 13 on sufficiency,” Emil Dunn a member of the State Transportation Board elaborated on the need to build a replacement bridge.
Ron Grace, a resident of the Aska Adventure Area, proposed a different site for the replacement bridge. This site located beyond the Shallowford Bridge, traveling in the direction of Newport Road, would utilize a small portion of land currently owned by the U.S. Forest Service.
Having spoke with the GDOT project manager for the Shallowford Bridge replacement, Grace said of the interaction, “They had not considered the US Forest Service property. They say they are going to look at it.”
According to Grace, GDOT had only considered the proposed site which they presented to the public and a site upstream closer to the Toccoa River Restaurant, but that the second site would have required the purchase of a home.
“Not knowing anything, they put it there because they thought it would look the best and have the least amount of impact,” Dunn spoke of GDOT’s reasoning for the placement saying that it came from an engineer’s perspective and that the proposed site would have the least environmental impact.
Another resident present at the meeting added, “When they (GDOT) picked that site it was because the bank was already high and you didn’t have to build up the bank.”
Area business owner Felton Stephens spoke of the group’s proposal to move the bridge further from the site recommended by GDOT: “It’s a win win situation, it takes most of the traffic off of the home owners, and they could also, if the county wanted to, put in a little more public parking out there. A little bit more access.”
Stephens spoke of adding additional parking near the bridge if it were to be moved to U.S. Forest Service land and an area where kayakers and tubers of the Toccoa would have a place to get in and out of the river.
While citizens seemed agreeable to approaching GDOT with the new proposal site up river, questions still came about regarding the upkeep of the original Shallowford Bridge.
Beyond Fannin County’s already budgeted roads and bridges line item, Dunn also pointed out that there is the possibility of extra funding from the state through the use of a Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG).
If a typical LMIG is applied for by the county and accepted by the state, it allows for a certain amount of money to be designated toward a county project with the county being responsible for a percentage of the cost.
Another option for restoration and maintenance of the Shallowford Bridge was presented by a resident saying that it might be possible to have the bridge put on the Historic Register which would allow for extra funding to be received for its preservation and care.
According to the Library of Congress the “Iron Bridge” is one of 50 Pratt truss bridges recorded in the state of Georgia. Three of of the 50 bridges on record reside in Fannin County.
The fate of the new Shallowford Bridge is yet to be determined, but citizens hope that their voices will be heard before a final decision is made.
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McCaysville City Council agrees to maintenance on GDOT’s new lighting
Community, News February 13, 2019
The McCaysville City Council met for its monthly meeting on Feb. 12, 2019 in City Hall. On the agenda was Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) asking the City to consider maintenance on the upcoming Hwy 5 roundabout.
GDOT will begin construction on Highway 5, also known as Blue Ridge Highway, scheduled for 2020.
There is a proposed truck route with two roundabouts – one in McCaysville beginning near School Street and the other across the river toward Copperhill, TN. These roundabouts will ease traffic flows in both towns by relieving congestion at Blue Ridge Drive and TN 68/GA 60 intersection.
The Council agreed to the following resolution:
The proposed roundabout in McCaysville GA
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New bridge to be built on the busiest stretch of Aska Road- Are families now at risk?
Community, News February 10, 2019
Shallowford Bridge noted for its’ historical significance in Fannin County is eligible to be recognized in The National Registry of Historic Places. Its current fate is at the center of a growing divide between GDOT, businesses, and residents on Aska and Shallowford Bridge roads.
Imagine peak tourist season, bridge construction, road changes, businesses and local residents all converging around Shallowford Bridge and Aska Roads. Those who live in this area can not imagine how this became the pending scenerio. A new bridge is supported, it is the location causing concern for current safety and for the area as it continues to grow in the future.
Earlier this month, GDOT held a Public Open House in Blue Ridge to explain their plans for the replacement of Shallowford Bridge. Concerned citizens were encouraged to ask questions and complete a questionnaire.
Representatives from Michael Baker International, a provider of engineering and consulting services were on hand to offer reasons why this project is imperative. GDOT must repair, replace, or move the current bridge. The bridge does not meet engineering criteria and has many issues, mainly steel related. It is not in safety compliance with federal regulations regarding bridge standards. Considering all available information, it is urgent to address the bridge issues now.
GDOT District Engineer (Cartersville) Grant Waldrop said Shallowford Bridge project will start about September 2020. It is expected to be completed in a 12-month time period.
Waldrop affirmed. “Fannin County has requested we leave the old bridge up. The existing bridge will be open during construction so there won’t be any detours which are about 10 miles down the road.”
While he added residences and businesses along Aska Road and Shallowford Bridge Road will be minimally affected, the residents and business owners expressed a much different opinion.
During the Open House, Kimberly and Charlie Wolfe, owners of Iron Bridge General Store and Cafe, located directly across from the current Shallowford Bridge and expected construction area, voiced their fears of how damaging GDOT’s current plan is for the safety of locals, tourists, and their business. Current plans could also destroy the businesses in the construction area having limited to no customer access for 12 months.
A highly congested area in the summer, and consistently busy in the offseason, they are concerned what it means in regard to safety for everyone. In addition to increased traffic, designated parking spaces, vehicles parked on both sides of Aska Road is increased foot traffic which often includes young children excitedly dashing about. The bridge is set to intersect with Aska Road in the middle of this busy public area.
Plans include a new trussed, concrete bridge to be constructed with two nine-foot lanes and a 10-foot walking path across the Benton-McKaye Trail relocation.
Parking area on the river Top view of Proposed new bridge location – photo courtesy of GDOT View of Shallowford Bridge from Aska Road Iron Bridge Cafe-one of 6 businesses that may be affected by construction on new bridge
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GDOT proposed plans for a new McCaysville-Copperhill truck route
News, Press Release September 5, 2018
Public encouraged to attend the meeting.
Blue Ridge, Ga– A public information open house to view the proposed project to improve State Route (SR) 5 and construct a new location truck route in Fannin County, Georgia and in Polk County, Tennessee is scheduled for Tuesday, September 11, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the McCaysville Church of God, located at 1477 Blue Ridge Drive in the city of Blue Ridge, Georgia.
Residents interested in learning more about the proposed project are encouraged to attend the meeting and to visit the website at www.dot.ga.gov.
The proposed project will improve State Route 5 from Old Flowers Road to Colton Avenue by resurfacing the existing two lanes on this portion and constructing 10-foot wide shoulders with 16-inch rumble strips for driver notification of roadway departure. The proposed project will transition to two lanes with curb and gutter with 5-foot sidewalks on both sides. At the intersection of SR 5 and School Street, the project proposes the installation of a roundabout. To learn more about the benefits of roundabouts, visit http://www.dot.ga.gov/DS/
The project also proposes to construct a two-lane truck route along a new location alignment approximately 1.1 miles in length beginning at the proposed roundabout on existing SR 5 at School Street. The roadway continues northwest crossing into Tennessee, then turns to the northeast and bridges over W Tennessee Ave, the Ocoee River, the existing railroad and Tennessee SR 68/Ocoee Street. The roadway then loops around toward the southeast and ties into Tennessee SR 68/Ocoee Street near Colonial Avenue where a second roundabout is proposed.
Grant Waldrop, district engineer at the Georgia DOT office in Cartersville explains, “This meeting will provide the public with an opportunity to review the proposed project and see how the improvements will accommodate taking truck movements out of downtown McCaysville/Copperhill as well as enhance economic development opportunities within Fannin and Polk Counties and the Appalachian region by providing operational improvements along the corridor which may lessen crash frequency and severity.”
The Open House will be informal and the public is invited to attend anytime between 4 and 7 p.m. The meeting site is accessible to persons with disabilities. Accommodations for people with disabilities can be arranged with advance notice by calling Joseph Ciavarro at 678-721-5164.
Written statements will be accepted concerning this project until Tuesday, September 25, 2018. Written statements may be submitted to:
Mr. Eric Duff, State Environmental Administrator
Georgia Department of Transportation
Office of Environmental Services
600 West Peachtree Street, NW – 16th Floor
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs and maintains Georgia’s state and federal highways. We’re involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike, and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to its citizens and its environment.
GDOT: Edge pavement repair begins in Fannin County
News September 18, 2018
BLUE RIDGE, Ga– A Georgia DOT Maintenance crew begins today its work on repairing the deteriorating edges of pavement on State Route (SR) 5 in Fannin County. Work will proceed daily Tuesday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Edge repair is a maintenance activity that is intended to guard against pavement failure along the edges due to the action of traffic and the loss of edge support that occurs due to the presence of water, aggressive-growth vegetation, and wind from either traffic or the atmosphere. Georgia DOT’s edge repairs are designed to minimize the effects of shoulder drop-offs and maximize the safety of the roadway for the traveling public.
You know that construction work zones are dangerous, but do you know that they are not always stationary? Moving work zones that conduct maintenance activities like litter pickup, asphalt repair, mowing, edge pavement repair, pavement marking and sweeping may move slowly and stop intermittently. Treat moving work zones like any other – Pay Attention – Slow Down – Watch for Workers. And always, expect the unexpected. Work zone safety is in your hands.
GDOT: Edge pavement repairs begins on GA in Fannin County
News, Press Release August 28, 2018
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Put your phone away and just drive: Hands-Free cell phone use is now the law drivers in Georgia
Press Release July 2, 2018
Hands-Free cell phone use is law
Drive Alert Arrive Alive, Georgia!
CARTERSVILLE, Ga.—Just put down the phone and DRIVE! Hands-free cell phone use is now the law for drivers in Georgia. The Hands-Free Law (House Bill 673; Hands-Free Georgia Act), which went into effect on July 1, requires hands-free technology when drivers use cell phones and other electronic devices. Among other things, it is illegal for a driver to hold a phone in their hand or to use their body to support a phone. Penalties range from $50 and one point on a license for the first conviction to $150 and three points for the third and subsequent convictions.
Read Georgia Department of Transportation’s (GDOT) The EXTRA MILE blog post – Hands-Free Means Big Changes for the Better in Georgia – by guest author Robert Hydrick of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). For additional information on the many facets of the law, visit http://www.headsupgeorgia.com/
“I am optimistic that Georgia’s new Hands-Free law will save lives,” GDOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry. P.E. said. “I also want to emphasize how crucial it is for drivers and passengers to buckle up. Seatbelts truly save lives.”
Through its Drive Alert Arrive Alive campaign, GDOT has, for several years, called attention to an alarming surge in fatalities on Georgia’s roads after a decade of reductions. Many of these deaths are preventable. The campaign implores motorists to focus on driving, to not drive distracted and to wear a seatbelt to reduce the chance of serious injury or death if there is a crash. Visitwww.dot.ga.gov/DAAA.
While GDOT reports that, as of June 28, 2018, overall roadway fatalities are down 10 percent in Georgia from the same time last year, pedestrian deaths are up 22 percent. GDOT’s See & Be Seen campaign, the pedestrian component of Drive Alert Arrive Alive, emphasizes that pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility between motorists and pedestrians. Visit www.dot.ga.gov/SBS.
Summer construction roadwork is underway across Georgia. Before you get on the road, call 511 or visit www.511ga.org for real-time information about active construction, incidents and road conditions.Pay extra attention in work zones – slow down and watch for workers. Work zone safety is everybody’s responsibility.
Gooch: Senate Gets Down to Business
State & National January 22, 2018
Senate Gets Down to BusinessBy: Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega) Although the Senate was in session for only two days this week, my colleagues and I were very busy under the Gold Dome addressing budget proposals and a key piece of legislation on the Senate Floor. The week started with Joint Senate and House Appropriations hearings on the Amended FY18 and General FY19 budgets. Governor Deal kicked off the hearings which included several different agencies presenting their budget proposals. I am happy to say that the state’s budget continues to be in good shape, with the General FY19 budget topping $26 billion for the first time. The General FY19 budget proposals were drafted with an estimated 2.9 percent state fund growth and around 3.8 percent tax revenue growth over the Amended FY18 revenue estimates. Included in the General FY19 budget are increases in funding for education and transportation. The General FY19 budget addresses the needs for the state to meet determined employer contributions within the Teachers Retirement System with a proposed increase of around $364 million. Additionally, around $120 million would be appropriated for enrollment growth and training. Along with these positive changes in the General FY19 budget, an important proposal in the Amended FY18 budget is adding $15 million to purchase 194 school buses statewide. This will positively impact our students by ensuring that buses are not overcrowded. The state’s growing need to address transportation infrastructure is also addressed in the General FY19 budget. An additional $31.6 million in projected revenues resulting from House Bill 170 – passed during the 2015 Legislation Session – will be added to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) budget. I am very happy to see that a piece of legislation we passed a couple of years ago is still making positive impacts for GDOT. Along with attending the budget hearings and carefully reviewing the proposals for the Amended FY18 and General FY19 budgets, my colleagues and I took up a very important piece of legislation in Senate Chamber. On Thursday, the Senate passed the Supporting and Strengthening Families Act, also known as the Adoption Bill, or HB 159. This bill passed with bipartisan support and is now headed over to the House of Representatives for their review. Final passage of this legislation and a signature into law by the Governor would allow our state to update our adoption system which has been the same for nearly 30 years. The Senate’s version of HB 159 clarifies many of the laws regarding who can adopt, who can act as a legal guardian and the rights held by the biological parents before and after giving their child up for adoption. Additionally, the version the Senate passed on Thursday states that if an agency is not involved in a private adoptive process, living expenses cannot be paid. The only expenses that can be paid in a private adoption are medical and counseling. These are just some of the highlights of the Senate version of HB 159. As this legislation moves through the legislative process, my colleagues and I will work with the Governor and House of Representatives to ensure there is cooperation to address concerns anyone may have. It is imperative that we pass this legislation so that we can assist the large number of children who are in foster care and need a loving and stable home. The pace of the session is going to pick up quickly with standing committees beginning to hold meetings next week to vet legislation pending from last year along with new bills introduced this year. As we move forward in the session, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns and feedback. It is always great to hear from my constituents and our door is always open. |
Discussions continue over Board of Education $250,000 land purchase
News, Rebel's Corner April 2, 2018
BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – After news spread of the Fannin County Board of Education’s recent approval to purchase one acre of land on Highway 515 for a price tag of $250,000, citizens questioned the necessity of this purchase and inquired about the legalities of its use.
Fannin County School Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney, along with Fannin County Attorney Lynn Doss and Fannin County School System’s Director of Facilities and Maintenance Danny Shinpaugh, sat down with FetchYourNews to answer questions and address concerns over this purchase.
This one-acre plot of land, which will serve as a connector to the school system’s new agricultural development positioned off of Ada Street, is located along Highway 515 between Windy Ridge Road and Josh Hall Road.
Main entrance to agricultural campus will be shared with Fannin County’s new fire station and E-911 center.
Doss explained that the 31 acres off of Ada Street has been under the ownership of the Fannin County School System for many years: “The school system has owned that property for about 15 years.”
According to Doss, the Ada Street land was originally purchased in 2006 with plans to build a new school if the need arose. The land itself was centrally enough located and met state requirements at that time for a new school.
Since the need for a new school never came to pass, the school system, over the years, have looked at a number of ways in which to utilize this property and, in recent years, decided that it would be ideal for an agricultural facility.
The property currently has an entrance/exit along Ada Street, but Gwatney pointed out that it would be used very minimally and primarily in the event of an emergency.
The property’s main point of access is along the Windy Ridge Connector, where the school system has partnered with Fannin County, and a roadway will be shared with the new fire station and allow access to the agricultural facility.
Questions arose about the need for the acre of land located on Highway 515 and the logistics of its use after Gwatney released a statement explaining the purchase.
In the statement, Gwatney said, “If you hear that our school system paid $250,000 for an acre of property, it is true; however, there is more that you need to know about this purchase, and I want you to have the facts.”
Gwatney also pointed out in the same statement that district personnel, including himself, has already met with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), and it has been determined that a deceleration lane may be placed ahead of the existing entrance to the property on Hwy. 515.
No official approval has been granted to the school system to make changes to the property in the GDOT right of way, but a GDOT representative did confirm with school officials that these changes were possible.
Gwatney clarified about circumstances of the possible deceleration lane: “We just wanted to make sure whether it was feasible, and that’s what we talked to GDOT about.”
In order for any improvements to be made to the entrance of the property, including a deceleration or an acceleration lane, permission would have to be granted from GDOT and special permits would need to be obtained by the Fannin County School System.
Fannin County School System’s Director of Facilities and Maintenance Danny Shinpaugh confirmed that any of these improvements would have to be carried out by GDOT-approved contractors and engineers and meet GDOT-approved standards and plans.
According to the GDOT Regulations for Driveway and Encroachment Control, a right turn lane may be required of the school system in order to use this property as an entrance: “Right turn deceleration lane must be constructed at no cost to the Department if the daily site generated Right Turn Volumes (RTV) based on ITE Trip Generation (assuming a reasonable distribution of entry volumes) meet or exceed” 50 right turns into the property daily.
Ownership and maintaining of a deceleration lane after completion is also described in the GDOT regulations as: “The R/W for accel/decel lanes may be dedicated in fee simple to the Department for the Department to maintain or the applicant must sign an agreement with the Department to maintain the lane to the Department’s standards and to hold harmless the Department in the event that section of roadway is identified in any liability action.”
While the addition of the deceleration lane could be an expensive venture for the school system, Gwatney stated that there are currently no plans to implement the right turn lane, and the main reason for the purchase of the property was for direct Hwy. 515 access and to allow for a variety of options in traffic control onto and off of the land.
“We would have acquired this property without that (deceleration lane),” Gwatney said, explaining the school system’s stance on the purchase. “It wouldn’t be near the worth if we couldn’t do that.”
Site where possible future deceleration/acceleration lanes would be placed.
A question also arose pertaining to whether the property’s existing entrance was already zoned for commercial use, as getting a commercial entrance onto Hwy. 515 could be difficult and costly.
According to the GDOT regulations, in the case of Non-commercial Driveways “a driveway serving a school, government building, church, hospital or other non-commercial organization inviting public use. Design guidelines relating to commercial driveways will be applicable to driveways serving these land uses.”
However, Fannin County Attorney Lynn Doss said that this is not a concern for this project: “It’s not a thing where we are because we’re outside of the city limits. In the county, we don’t have zoning, so we have no commercial, residential or industrial.”
While the plans for the one-acre tract are yet to be determined, Gwatney suggested some possible uses. The land could serve as an exit from the facility for southbound traffic turning right onto Hwy. 515, and the main entrance off of Windy Ridge Connector would serve as an exit for northbound traffic allowing this traffic access to a traffic light in order to turn left onto Hwy. 515.
Another plus noted by both Gwatney and Shinpaugh in relation to purchasing this land is the use of the existing buildings on the property.
“The school system is always hurting for storage,” Shinpaugh noted.
The property currently has 18 storage units, all of which have the space to house large equipment. These buildings will be put to use by the school system.
As for the purchase of this tract, Gwatney explained that it was not needed for the land’s original purpose in 2006, but as the purpose of the land changed, so did the needs to accommodate the facility: “It makes our existing project better.”
The new agricultural facility is expected to be completed by June 30 of this year.
[Featured Image: Entrance onto recently purchased property from Highway 515. According to Doss, this entrance will not require a commercial zoning permit.]
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