Fayette OKs look at multi-use bridge across Sandy Creek

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Phil Mallon, director of Public Works for Fayette County. File photo.

A concept study for a multi-use bridge along Veterans Parkway over Sandy Creek and funding for the final project was approved Sept. 15 by the Fayette County Commission.

Public Works Director Phil Mallon told commissioners that, as part of the 2013 Annexation Consent Agreement with Fayetteville for the Pinewood Atlanta Studios development, Fayette County agreed to design and construct a multi-use path across the creek.

At this time, few details for the project are known. The first step is to gather input from stakeholders (including Pinewood Atlanta Studios, Pinewood Forrest, the city of Fayetteville and Fayette County) and determine which side of the road is best suited for the path segment, Mallon said. From there, the extent of the path and construction details can be developed.

Staff requested up to $500,000 in available 2004 SPLOST funds for the eventual project.

In addition, staff recommended authorization of $7,500 for Rochester and Associates to prepare a concept plan. Mallon said Rochester is a logical choice because they already work with the two Pinewood developments.

Mallon said the big question is what side of the road the path will be placed. Once the concept is complete it can be put to bid for full design.

A motion to approve the requests passed on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Randy Ognio opposed.

Ognio’s reasoning held that the path would be best suited on the east side of the creek. Mallon earlier noted that the project would cost less on the east side, though both sides should be explored during the concept phase to best meet overall future needs.