Avalon Adopts 120-Day Moratorium for Motorists Using New Road

Avalon city officials have approved a four-month moratorium on the use by the general public of New Road.

At a brief called meeting Monday night, city commissioners approved the 120-day moratorium after a brief explanation of the vote by attorney John Dickerson.

During the moratorium only those who live on New Road between Tower Road and the new Highway 17 will be allowed to use it.

Avalon took possession of New Road earlier this year from the County to try and resolve the problem of increased traffic.

Shortly after the new Highway 17/Currahee Parkway opened, Georgia DOT crews put up barriers at the intersection with Highway 328/Gumlog Road, which prevents motorists from making a left turn or going across to the old 17.

At a meeting earlier this month, City Commissioner Roger Craven said ever since then, New Road has become a cut-through for Gumlog and Tower Road motorists and trucks.

“Due to the development of the way they made the intersection of 328 it diverted the traffic in such a way it made New Road hazardous for both the motorists and the residents,” Craven said. “So, we pursued the issue with the County and they agreed to give it (New Rd) to the City of Avalon and let the City of Avalon control it. So we are doing our best to do what it’s going to take to safely travel the road. That’s what we’re looking at at this point.”

City officials must decide whether to restrict the road to residents only or continue to make it a public road and if so, how to control the amount of traffic on it.

Another idea discussed Monday was to see if the DOT would put a left turn barrier on 17 at the New Road intersection similar to the one at the Gumlog Road intersection.

Before the vote Monday, Dickerson outlined a plan of action for the commissioners once the moratorium is enacted.

“Once it’s passed, if I were you, I’d talk with the DOT and DPS and then I would talk to the Sheriff and see if you can enter into an agreement with him to temporarily enforce this moratorium and put up a sign saying there is a moratorium in place and limit traffic,” Dickerson suggested. “I think the Sheriff would probably help you do it because the truth is Avalon is in Stephens County and he has a responsiblity, but he’ll do it.”

Dickerson noted at an earlier meeting the main issue for Avalon commissioners is one of public safety for motorists and residents.

He said if New Road stays a public road, then any accidents resulting from the poor condition of the road would become the City of Avalon’s responsibility.

After hearing from Dickerson, the Commission voted unanimously to enact the 120-day moratorium.

Craven said will now use the time to consult with officials from the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety.