Council approves Ashford‑Dunwoody concept study to explore protected bike lanes, pedestrian upgrades; asks for multiple alternatives

The Dunwoody City Council voted to approve a concept/design contract to study a protected bike lane (often called a cycle track), pedestrian improvements and possible lane reallocation on Ashford‑Dunwoody Road, a gap that staff described as a “missing link” between the village and the mall area. The motion passed 5–1.

Why it matters: The study would shape a high‑visibility corridor connecting neighborhoods and parks, influence traffic operations at the corridor’s intersections and guide later construction decisions and right‑of‑way acquisitions.

Council discussion emphasized the need for multiple design alternatives, intersection and queuing analysis at the corridor bookends (Chamblee‑Dunwoody and Ashford‑Dunwoody intersections), and traffic counts collected after the school year resumes. Staff said the concept phase includes traffic operations, safety review, drainage screening and public outreach; detailed counts and further surveys were scheduled for the fall.

Councilmember Tom (speaking in support) noted the road’s current design encourages speeding and said removing a lane or implementing a road diet could improve safety: “Removing a lane of traffic could help control speed,” he said. Other members warned that inadequate treatment of terminal intersections could create choke points and asked that designers model several development scenarios for nearby vacant parcels.

Vote and next steps: The council motion to approve the concept study passed, 5–1 (one council member opposed). The contract authorizes staff to proceed with a concept phase that will produce multiple alternatives, a traffic report, and public meetings; subsequent design phases would require future council approval.