Council members warn Tom Mann Road unsafe for emergency vehicles during Cotton Fair; DOT involvement eyed

At its Oct. 13 meeting, the City Council heard concerns that Tom Mann Road could be impassable to emergency vehicles during the Cotton Fair if a train is stopped at the nearby railroad crossing.

Council member Watts said she had received "several complaints about the condition of Tom Mann Road," describing the roadway as generally acceptable up to the railroad crossing but "extremely bad" beyond that point. "A large truck, fire truck and possibly an ambulance would not be able to use that road in case of an emergency while the train is stopped," Watts said.

Council member Keith added that during fair events, vehicles continue to park on Georgia Highway 85 south of Flat Shoals Road, "making it extremely dangerous for vehicles coming out of Flat Shoals." The council noted that because Highway 85 is a state route, the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) would need to be involved in any changes to traffic control or parking enforcement on that segment.

The remarks were made during general discussion after council business. The council did not take a formal vote on repairs or direct staff to initiate a specific project during the meeting; no funding or schedule was specified. Council members raised the issue as a public-safety concern tied to the upcoming or recurring Cotton Fair and indicated follow-up with the appropriate state agency would be necessary.

Next steps: The council did not adopt a motion at the meeting to allocate funds or to formally refer the issue to a committee; any further action would depend on staff follow-up and coordination with DOT.