Commission approves four-lane North Avenue safety plan to pursue $25M federal RAISE grant

The Athens-Clarke County Commission voted on June 2 to pursue the U.S. Department of Transportation’s RAISE grant with a staff-recommended four-lane safety concept for North Avenue, a corridor residents and safety advocates described as particularly dangerous for pedestrians.

Community advocates — including Aaron Redmond of Athens in Motion and Scott Long of Bike Athens — told commissioners the corridor serves a high number of vulnerable users and that design and speed factors have contributed to several severe and fatal crashes. “North Avenue is one of the most dangerous roads in Clarke County and it serves a high number of vulnerable users every day,” Aaron Redmond said.

Commission discussion focused on comparative options. Staff presented a three-lane alternative (preferred for maximum safety) and a four-lane alternative that staff described as the most achievable within grant timing and right-of-way constraints; a five-lane option would require substantially more right-of-way acquisition and delay grant deadlines. Commissioner Link and others argued the four-lane concept balances safety improvements with a realistic delivery schedule.

Commissioners approved the motion to pursue Option Two — a four-lane plan that includes protected multi-use paths, improved crosswalks, and potential turn-lane treatments — and authorized staff to continue right-of-way and design work consistent with grant requirements. The manager and commissioners noted that construction would not begin until funding and design are finalized and that the earliest start would likely be in 2028 under current planning assumptions.

What’s next: Staff will proceed with grant application steps and refine right-of-way estimates and design elements; commissioners asked for continued attention to pedestrian and transit access during design.