There’s a bridge ahead for PTC’s west village residents

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Developer has CSX permission to build bridge across railroad tracks to link Wilksmoor to Hwy. 74
 
For a long time, it seemed like a project that might never happen. Perceptions notwithstanding, MacDuff Parkway is now open and the developer has been given permission by CSX Railroad to begin construction of the connecting bridge at Senoia Road.
 
That will provide a second gateway to Wilksmoor Village on the city’s west side. Currently it’s one way in, one way out at the lone intersection with Ga. Highway 54 West.
 
Peachtree City Council members at the Nov. 17 meeting were told by City Manager Jon Rorie that developer Bob Rolader has received permission from CSX to construct the MacDuff Parkway bridge at Senoia Road. The bridge is the only component of the project remaining.
 
“He now has permission to build,” Rorie said, noting that the go-ahead and the time it took to receive permission was a matter of the CSX timetable.
 
While there is no defining timeline for the bridge project, Rorie said the bridge should be completed by August or September next year, weather permitting.
 
For their part, CSX requires that a company flagman be present during construction activities, Rorie said, adding that it will likely take three or four weeks before the flagman is scheduled and on-site.
 
As for the remainder of the 1.8-mile MacDuff Parkway extension, Rorie said the roadway is now open. Once open to an unhindered traffic flow after the bridge completion, the parkway will extend from Ga. Highway 74 North and Kedron Drive on the north to Ga. Highway 54 West on the south.
 
The developer bears the cost of both the parkway extension and the bridge.
 
The existing subdivisions in Wilksmoor Village, including one apartment complex, have a total of 1,454 units, while the three subdivisions approved for construction total 1,329 units. In total, Wilksmoor will eventually have 2,783 units.
 
The developer is permitted a maximum of 100 certificates of occupancy in new subdivisions prior to the final completion of the parkway and bridge. And to date, few homes have been constructed along the parkway.