The Fayette County Commission, on a 4-1 vote, has given approval for the Georgia Department of Transportation to study the possibility of installing a roundabout for the intersection of Ga. Highway 92 south and Antioch Road.
If the study shows the project is feasible, DOT would pay for the entire right of way and construction costs, with the county only on the hook for ongoing landscaping maintenance and lighting costs. The latter is estimated to be about $1,840 a year, according to county officials.
Commissioner Randy Ognio voted no on the matter, expressing strong misgivings about the proposal and saying it would slow traffic down in the area. Ognio also said he would prefer the DOT would allow the estimated $1.2 million cost to be spent on another worthwhile road project for the county.
County Engineer Phil Mallon noted the proposal is not one where the money could be shifted to another project. The design speed for the roundabout is expected to be 25 to 35 miles per hour, so there are no expectations it would create a traffic jam in the area, Mallon added.
Mallon noted the project is “unique” since DOT is proposing to pick up 100 percent of the construction and associated costs excepting the future operation cost.
Ognio said he was also concerned that by giving blessing on the project now, prior to the study, the county won’t be able to halt the roundabout if deemed necessary before DOT commences with the project. Mallon indicated he was confident if the county didn’t want to proceed with the project DOT would abide by the county’s wish.
