Politics & Government

City Mulls State Bridge/Old Alabama Connector

Proposed project would lessen traffic on Medlock Bridge Road.

The Johns Creek City Council this week discussed the feasibility of constructing a connector between Old Alabama and State Bridge roads.

Public Works Director Tom Black said his department has applied for state money to fund a study of the project.Β 

The goal would be to lessen school traffic that travels between Old Alabama and State Bridge roads via Medlock Bridge Road in the morning.

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Black said the traffic is a result of not many residents in neighborhoods on Buice Road off Old Alabama using school buses. He said the school traffic travels from Old Alabama, turns left onto Medlock, then left onto State Bridge heading to Johns Creek High and State Bridge Elementary schools, then returns via the same path.

The project would hopefully lessen the burden on Medlock in the morning.

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Mayor Mike Bodker expressed reservations about the feasibility of the project, and whether the money would be better spent elsewhere.

The study would cost the city $50,000 and another $200,000 in state and federal funds.

"We need the connection, but is it achievable?" Bodker asked.Β 

"If I didn't think it was feasible, I wouldn't have taken it to the city manager," Black replied.

Council member Karen Richardson added that "connectivity" is supported in the city's master plan.

Black said that over the next year, a study would provide three concepts that would address environmental and property impacts and locations.

He said the city would first hold a public hearing, and then explore concepts. Those concepts would be introduced to the public in a second hearing, and then a plan would be presented to the city council.

Black added that it's possible a connector could be funded with federal dollars if declared a temporary state route.


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