Commission approves four‑lane safety concept for North Avenue, accepting $25M RAISE grant opportunity

Advocates, renters, transit users and safety groups urged the commission to accept a staff‑recommended four‑lane design for North Avenue and use the $25 million federal RAISE grant to build protected multi‑use paths, safer crosswalks, improved lighting and access to transit stops.

Speakers from Athens in Motion and Bike Athens cited crash histories and recent pedestrian fatalities. Aaron Redmond, speaking for Athens in Motion, said the four‑lane option is a “balanced and workable solution” given right‑of‑way constraints; Scott Long (Bike Athens) shared door‑to‑door survey results that found 71% of North Avenue users feel unsafe. Renter and social‑services advocates asked the commission to prioritize residents who use the corridor daily rather than focusing on game‑day traffic.

Commission discussion noted tradeoffs: the five‑lane alternative would require more right‑of‑way and take longer to deliver, while the three‑lane option was preferred by some safety advocates but impractical given current constraints. Commissioners stressed a robust public‑design process, turn‑lane options and staged implementation; staff and consultants noted construction would not likely start before 2028.

On roll call the commission approved the staff‑recommended option (four‑lane safety concept with design flexibility) and authorized next steps to finalize grant documents and right‑of‑way negotiations.

What happens next: Staff will finalize grant application materials, proceed with outreach and property discussions where right‑of‑way is required, and refine design details for crossings, medians and a protected multi‑use path before construction planning begins.