By 2018, Fayetteville could have a pedestrian and cart path bridge rivaling the signature bridge that crosses Ga. Highway 54 at the Aberdeen Shopping Center in Peachtree City.
The City Council passed a resolution Thursday night pledging $360,000 toward the bridge that would span Hwy. 54 near Piedmont Fayette Hospital. The total cost of the project is pegged at $1.4 million, but the rest of the money would be provided by a federal Transportation Alternatives Program grant. The bridge would tie in at the existing cart path on Lester Road, and end just beyond the hospital.
“We wanted to take it beyond the highway, so it could eventually connect with the development near Pinewood,” said Community Development Director Brian Wismer.
The 1,100 feet of added length to go beyond the hospital would cost the city an added $7,000, Wismer added.
The resolution passed with a unanimous vote, but not before Councilman Paul Oddo wanted to know the purpose of the bridge.
“Is this for economic development. Are we looking to get funds back for the cost?” he asked.
Mayor Greg Clifton said the bridge was more of a “quality of life” issue and would serve to provide transportation alternatives to connect many areas in Fayetteville.
In other news, City Clerk Ann Barksdale explained the city had many events this week in conjunction with Georgia Cities Week. Wednesday, an open house was at City Hall from 10 a.m. to noon. The building houses many historic pictures.
Thursday, a self-guided walking tour of downtown is available at Heritage Park from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Finally, the week ends with the first “Lunch on the Lawn” of the new year Friday at the courthouse from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
