Peachtree Road Project Generates 2K Responses

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) needs more than the regularly-scheduled period to respond to all the questions and comments submitted regarding the Peachtree Road bike lanes project.

Plans for Peachtree Road include converting the six-lane thoroughfare down to four lanes, with a two-way left turn lane in the middle. The removal of one lane should provide enough space for cyclists on both sides of the road. The bicycle lanes would run from Peachtree Battle Avenue to Deering Road.

The plan has stirred controversy within the community; A recent poll conducted by the Buckhead Coalition showed that members under 30 supported the project, but older members were staunchly opposed.

As a result of the polling, the coalition formally came out against the proposal last month.

GDOT opened an open comments period, but received so much interest it had to extend the deadline for comments by a week from Nov. 9 to Nov. 16. GDOT said Wednesday it had received approximately 2,000 comments or questions.

GDOT originally advertised that it would take no more than 30 days to respond to all comments and questions, but the sheer volume of input has forced a delay.

“We are diligently documenting each comment submitted to the Department about the proposed Peachtree Road project,” said Carleton Fisher, Georgia DOT Project Manager in a statement.

“Citizens who submitted a comment via email, mail, court reporter, or online will receive a response letter from the Georgia DOT after each comment is reviewed.”

Comments came in at a torrid pace, causing GDOT to first extend the deadline for comments by a week from Nov. 9 to Nov. 16. It normally takes no more than 30 days for GDOT to respond to all comments and questions, but the sheer volume of input has forced the change.