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Staff report: Firefly Trail near completion on Segment 1; Greenway MLK corridor moves through GDOT with $25M RAISE funding for North Avenue work
Summary
Staff told the commission that Firefly Trail Segment 1 concrete work is nearly complete and contractors await utility relocation; a Greenway MLK project is progressing through GDOT with preliminary engineering funded and a RAISE grant of $25 million noted for North Avenue, though bridge replacement is not funded and construction timelines extend into the 2030s.
A staff presenter (S9) updated commissioners on capital projects. On the Firefly Trail, concrete work on Segment 1 (Hancock to Moss) is about 98% complete; final punch‑list work was done in late February and remaining work in Segment 3 is awaiting utility relocation. "We really anticipate them being finished late April, probably, at this point to early May," the presenter said, adding that contractors are paid by the job and staff continue to press for timely utility moves.
On the Greenway Trail MLK Parkway project (North Avenue to East Broad Street), staff said the project completed a GDOT project concept meeting and received preliminary engineering funding through a federal/state grant process. Staff noted that the RAISE application produced $25,000,000 for North Avenue work but clarified the RAISE funds do not include replacing the river bridge; bridge redesign options will focus on solutions within the existing bridge structure (restriping, barricades or smaller redesigns) rather than full replacement.
Staff explained letting and funding timing: GDOT's "let" process means the project is scheduled for a construction bidding phase that could occur around 2030, with actual construction possibly not starting until later. They cautioned that federal funding and GDOT schedules can add permitting and NEPA steps that extend timelines and increase design requirements compared with local funding.
Commissioners asked whether sidewalk widening and trail connections at the North Avenue intersection would be included; staff agreed to verify whether those elements are covered in the RAISE or other design packages and to coordinate with the North Avenue designers. The presenter also noted a separate bridge feasibility report covering five bridges and suggested the next step would be applying for bridge replacement or improvement grants if the city wants to pursue that work.
Staff additionally flagged a sidewalk issue and possible warranty/utility work at the Oconee Street park‑and‑ride interchange and said the GDOT project manager would follow up. Commissioners discussed the interchange's improved traffic flow but noted some driver confusion at certain turns.
