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Fayette County advances SR 279 corridor work after resident pleas
Summary
After resident appeals for safety and access improvements on SR 279, the Fayette County Board approved a new SPLOST project, right-of-way acquisitions and coordinated work with GDOT to add turn lanes and other improvements along the SR 279 corridor.
Residents urged action on SR 279 and the Board moved to match that concern with several coordinated steps.
At the Feb. 12 Fayette County Board of Commissioners meeting, residents Alice Jones and Larry Younginer told the board SR 279 needs resurfacing, access lanes and other changes to address increasing traffic. Jones also asked the county to oppose a proposed QT gas station at Highway 138 and SR 279 and to send letters to the Georgia Department of Transportation and the City of South Fulton conveying the board’s concerns.
Public Works Director Phil Mallon told the board the county and GDOT are coordinating multiple efforts along SR 279. The board approved establishing a new 2017 SPLOST project for SR 279 and North Drive and reallocated $20,000 from Project 17TAK to fund right-of-way work related to a GDOT quick-response project. Mallon said GDOT will construct left-turn improvements while Fayette County will complete right-turn lane work as the coordinated component.
Mallon also requested authorization to begin pre-acquisition activities for GDOT PI 0017813 (R-8D) covering the SR 279, SR 85 and Corinth Road project. He said the effort affects about 35 parcels, including 23 fee-simple right-of-way takes and additional easements, mostly strip takes along SR 85 and SR 279. The board authorized the right-of-way work and pre-acquisition activities.
County Administrator Steve Rapson offered to support up to $25,000 of in-house construction work to avoid slowing the project while acquisition and design proceed. Officials said additional construction funding will be required after detailed plans and cost estimates are developed.
Why this matters: SR 279 is a heavily used two-lane corridor where residents reported safety and traffic-flow problems. The county’s actions—combining SPLOST funds, right-of-way acquisition and coordination with GDOT—aim to move smaller “quick-response” improvements forward while larger design and construction planning continue.
Next steps: County staff will proceed with right-of-way pre-acquisition tasks, develop construction estimates for the county’s right-turn lane work, and continue coordination with GDOT on the larger corridor project. Residents requesting formal opposition to the QT station were advised the proposed project lies across jurisdictional lines and that the county’s legal options are limited to commenting through established channels.
