On August 19, 2020, DVIC submitted a petition/proposal to GDOT requesting adjustments to the plan. State and local representatives were sent copies of this as well. In particular, we requested a turn lane at the Drew Valley Road-Buford Highway intersection (or more along Buford Highway). In addition, we asked them to reconsider the placement of a crosswalk currently to be built about 100 feet south of Drew Valley Road. Including both the petition and a survey, there were a total 240 opposed to the median and 8 in favor of the median. This is a highly significant response rate and ratio of opposed vs support.
GDOT responded a few days later with a willingness to reconsider the project plan. On September 30, we were told by GDOT that they were in the final phase of review and that we should have an answer soon. As of October 9, we still await a GDOT response. Stay tuned.
URGENT MISSION ISSUE: Drew Valley Road/Buford Highway Intersection
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has approved a SOLID MEDIAN on Buford Highway, scheduled to go out to bid in Fall 2020. In addition to the median, sidewalks and an additional pedestrian crossing are to be installed.
Purpose: Pedestrian safety along the Buford Highway corridor will be addressed.
Problem: The median will run uninterrupted from the bottom of the hill where it currently ends to Clairmont Terrace, blocking Drew Valley Road.
We will no longer be able to turn left from Drew Valley Road (DVR) onto Buford Highway (BH), nor will we be able to turn left from Buford Highway onto Drew Valley Road. This raises serious concerns about the impact on our neighborhood, some of which are:
- Re-routing of significant traffic volumes from BH onto surface streets, especially DVR
- Pedestrian safety in the Drew Valley neighborhood due to higher traffic volumes
- Reduced access for emergency vehicles
A committee was formed to explore pros and cons of the project and to represent Drew Valley with the GDOT if deemed necessary.
Please visit The Drew Valley/Buford Highway Intersection Committee (DVIC) for more information.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK:
- YES: I approve of the median blocking DVR, and here’s why: Click here to vote Yes
- NO: I do not approve of the median blocking DVR: Click here to sign the petition.
- MAYBE: I’m not sure/I’m neutral: Click here to tell us more
Want to help the DVIC? Get involved! Contact Patty Farinola for more information.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All of this underscores the need for an active, unified, cohesive, and mission focused neighborhood association. Become a member and get involved!