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Athens council approves TAP application to add sidewalks and crossings along US 31/Hobbs Street
Summary
The council authorized applying for a Transportation Alternatives Program grant to complete sidewalks and resurfacing along US 31 (Hobbs Street) and to add pedestrian crossings, with a local match if awarded.
The Athens City Council voted 4–0 on May 19 to authorize the mayor to apply for a FY2025 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant to complete sidewalks and crossings along U.S. 31 and to resurface portions of Hobbs Street.
The proposed project would finish resurfacing on Hobbs Street, install sidewalk on the west side of U.S. 31 from Hobbs Street to Cactus Street by the Walmart signal, and add a pedestrian crossing at Fourth Street to connect neighborhoods to the sports complex. The city estimate read at the meeting lists a total project cost of $2,014,628 with an Athens match of $214,628 to be paid from the 2024 general obligation warrants construction fund if the grant is awarded.
City engineer Michael Griffin (speaking in council discussion) and other staff said this corridor has one of the higher concentrations of pedestrian traffic in town and that TAP has previously funded Athens sidewalk and pedestrian bridge projects. Councilmember James Lucas said the project would connect the east side neighborhoods to recreation amenities and represent efficient use of grant funding.
What’s next: Staff will submit the TAP application; if the city is awarded the grant the council will need to appropriate the required local match and approve construction contracts. The council did not take further action beyond approving the application.
