Relief is on the way for the intersection of Ga. Highway 85 and Ellis Road

near Fayette Pavilion, where an influx of new restaurants and stores has

caused difficulties for some motorists.

Fayetteville officials have finally gotten permission from the Georgia Department

of Transportation to erect a traffic light at the intersection, it was announced

at Thursday's meeting of the city council.

Months ago, the DOT turned down the city's request for the traffic

light, but the project recently got the go-ahead upon further review, noted

City Engineer Don Easterbrook.

Ironically, the DOT's wink for the traffic signal comes as a restaurant

across Hwy. 85 from the Pavilion gets closer to opening: a Zaxby's.

Ellis Road is a popular shortcut for motorists accessing the Pavilion retail

area from Ga. Highway 54 East using Banks Road.

Mayor Ken Steele noted the traffic light will be a part of the overall traffic

plan for the Pavilion area. One of the main features of that plan was interconnectivity

so once vehicles entered the Pavilion, they could motor around from store

to store without having to get back on the highway, Steele noted.

"We appreciate all the work and it took a lot of effort," Steele

said.