City Commissioner Expresses Concern About Big A Rd./Memorial Drive Intersection

One Toccoa City Commissioner is expressing concerns about the new traffic pattern at the intersection of Big A Road and Memorial Drive.

Commissioner Jeanette Jamieson addressed that intersection and her concerns about it at the city commission’s work session on Monday.

“You are going to see where they have marked off left turn coming north, left turn arrows,” said Jamieson, who noted there is no left turn lane for those headed south to turn in to businesses at that intersection.

Earlier this month as part of the Georgia Highway 17 widening project, there were some traffic pattern changes at that intersection.

They include the elimination of the central turning lane on Big A Road south of Memorial Drive and also the conversion of the left lane of Highway 17 northbound headed towards Toccoa into a turn lane for Memorial Drive just past the traffic light for Wal-Mart.

Jamieson said she is especially concerned about school bus traffic.

“The buses are either going to come out from Big A School and come out into Highway 17 (Big A Road) like they do now or turn right and come out on the By-pass, which would be even worse.”

Law enforcement officials have urged drivers to use caution in that area because of those changes to the traffic patterns.

Even still, Jamieson said asking about a traffic light may be something to consider.

“I think we need to inquire, since Memorial Drive, is now our street, if they have any intention of putting a traffic light there,” said Jamieson, who suggested the city, county, and school system work on paying for it if cost is an issue.

Georgia Department of Transportation Spokesperson Katie Strickland said that at this time, the DOT has no plans to put a traffic light at Memorial Drive and Big A Road.

As part of the Highway 17 widening project, the Georgia Department of Transportation installed a traffic light where Big A Road meets the Toccoa By-pass.

Also, there is a light at Wal-Mart that Jamieson said the store paid for and had installed.