Residents raise concerns over Dewberry Roundabout construction process in Atlanta

The Transportation Committee of the State of Georgia convened on February 27, 2025, to address various transportation issues, with a focus on community engagement and project transparency. The meeting highlighted concerns regarding the Dewberry Roundabout project on Buford Highway, which has raised significant issues among local residents.

Paul Dimock, a representative from the Ansley Park Civic Association, presented a detailed account of the community's experience with the roundabout's construction. He expressed gratitude to Representative Stacy Evans for her support but voiced strong concerns about the lack of public notice and input regarding the project. Dimock explained that the roundabout was approved by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) without any public hearings, as it was funded by the Dewberry organization, which qualified for a special encroachment permit.

Dimock emphasized that the community was unaware of the project until construction began in February 2021. He noted that the roundabout was not included in any public planning documents, leading to significant concerns about increased cut-through traffic in residential areas. The neighborhood, which is already dealing with complicated traffic patterns, fears that the new roundabout will exacerbate these issues by directing more vehicles onto streets not designed for heavy traffic.

In response to community concerns, GDOT has initiated discussions about potential traffic flow changes at nearby intersections. However, Dimock indicated that proposed solutions have not yet gained consensus among stakeholders. The committee agreed to follow up on the arrangement for a formal traffic study by the Atlanta Department of Transportation, which is intended to assess the impacts of the roundabout now that it is operational.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to prioritize public input in future projects, emphasizing that the determination of whether a project requires public notice should be based on its size and scope, rather than funding sources. The committee plans to continue monitoring the situation and engage with affected communities to ensure their voices are heard in transportation planning.