AVONDALE ESTATES, Ga. — The city of Avondale Estates is hoping addition by subtraction will add a layer of safety to drives along Highway 278.
Work will begin soon to reduce the number of lanes on a one-mile section of the city’s main thoroughfare.
“I think sometimes in life we have to learn to slow it down a little bit,” said Eric Burrill.
Burrill owns Minuteman Press on Highway 278 and is ready to see traffic slow its pace.
“It’s not just about traffic,” said Burrill. “It’s about tying in the community and the growth the community is trying to build.”
Highway 278, also known as East College Avenue and North Avondale Road, is the closest thing Avondale Estates has to Main Street. City leaders feel it lacks that Main Street feel.
The plan is to reduce the highway from five to three lanes, add a 10-foot wide path for pedestrians and bikes, a center median with areas for left turns, and upgraded traffic signals.
City Manager Patrick Bryant says losing two lanes will only add an extra 18 seconds to a drive through Avondale Estates.
“Not only will that impact be minimal, but the experience will be better as lights will be synchronized,” said Bryant.
The city will add safety lighting. There will be crosswalks where pedestrians and cyclists can cross safely.
“What we’re trying to do is turn that suburban sprawling highway into more of a main street,” Bryant added.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2026.