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Board retreat spotlights SPLOST road and path projects, roundabouts and a countywide trail vision
Summary
Public Works updated the Board on 2004/2017/2023 SPLOST transportation projects, including the Goza Road realignment, South Jeff Davis roundabout candidacy for an SS4A grant, and plans for a countywide network of paths and trails coordinated with Trilith and Fayette Forward.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — At its May 9 retreat, the Fayette County Board of Commissioners received a progress update on SPLOST-funded transportation projects and a pitch from local partners for a countywide path and trail master plan.
Public Works Director Phil Mallon and Transportation Engineer Paola Kimbell reviewed active projects across the 2004, 2017 and 2023 SPLOST programs. Notable work includes the Goza Road realignment and ongoing right-of-way acquisition for the East Fayetteville Bypass, traffic-signal and path projects including a planned SR85/SR85 Connector signal that will go out to bid, and safety-focused candidates such as the South Jeff Davis/County Line/Inman roundabout, which staff will pursue as a high-priority applicant for a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) construction grant.
Kimbell cited crash data at the SR85–Goza intersection — with roughly 27 crashes in five years and a left-turn conflict in about 70% of incidents — and described options under evaluation, including a right-hand bypass and curb corrections to reduce rear-end collisions.
Separately, representatives from Fayette Forward, Trilith and the Fayette County Development Authority outlined a proposed countywide path/trail strategy to connect existing amenities, improve quality-of-life and leverage public-private funding. Fayette Forward said it will produce a project scorecard to rank candidate segments by funding potential, connectivity and maintenance considerations.
Board members probed maintenance obligations, condemnation risk, long-term upkeep costs, and how path placement might influence future development density. Vice Chairman Edward Gibbons emphasized leveraging partner contributions and shared maintenance responsibilities; Commissioner Charles Oddo cautioned against projects that would create ongoing unfunded maintenance burdens.
Why it matters: SPLOST and grant-funded transportation projects affect safety, commute patterns and economic development. The Board signaled support for advancing design and grant submittals but asked staff to minimize condemnation and to present clear maintenance-cost estimates before committing County funds.
Next steps: Staff will advance the SR85 signal to bid, refine Goza Road concepts with GDOT, pursue SS4A and GDOT grant opportunities, and return to the Board with prioritized path/trail candidates and maintenance-cost estimates.
