Newman City Council requires all-way stop at Armory and Sewell for Link Section 13, asks utilities to share trail costs

The Newman City Council voted to adopt the Newnan Link Section 13 traffic study with a change directing staff to install an all-way stop at Armory Road and Sewell Road and to use rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at other crossings where appropriate.

City staff had recommended an always-stop condition at Spence and Sewell and RRFBs at other crossings, and described several treatment options as the project nears the end of design. The staff presentation noted coordination with the Coweta County School System and with project consultants (path foundation and Kaizen) as part of the recommendation.

Vern Wilburn, the traffic consultant who presented study findings, told the council he found the warrants "right at the borderline" and said, "Honestly, I could have gone either way. But I kind of thought that it should be a multi way stop, just because of the anticipation of the safety concerns that might occur later." Wilburn also cited sight-distance issues and vegetation near the crossing as factors favoring a stop condition.

Council discussion centered on safety for pedestrians and students, how an RRFB performs compared with a stop sign, and whether devices should be augmented with advance warnings or rumble strips. One councilmember argued for prioritizing pedestrian safety over motorist delay: "we go for pedestrian safety first and then we accommodate motorists second." Staff noted RRFBs are effective when activated and that a continuously flashing device becomes less effective over time.

Councilmember (speaker 5) moved to adopt the report with the change requiring an always-stop at Armory and Sewell; the motion carried by voice vote. Staff advised the project is out to bid and needs direction to finalize plans.

The council also asked staff to approach New Utilities about cost participation for the trail section that runs through Karl Miller Park. Staff provided a breakdown: an estimated $344,000 for the portion within Karl Miller Park and a project balance estimate of about $2,058,000 for the remaining sections. Council directed staff to pursue conversations with the utility and report back.

Next steps: staff will finalize plans for Section 13 to reflect the council’s stop-sign decision, incorporate chosen pedestrian treatments, and pursue reimbursement discussions with New Utilities; the project remains out to bid.