City of Avalon to Decide on Moratorium for New Road

Avalon City officials are expected to vote next week on whether to impose a 120-day moratorium on the use of New Road.

At a public hearing Monday night, city commissioners heard from attorney John Dickerson on how to go about restricting access.

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.

According to Avalon City Commissioner Roger Craven, ever since then, New Road has become a cut-through for Gumlog 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.

At the meeting Monday, Dickerson outlined a plan of action for the town, which included the moratorium that would limit access to only the six residents who live on New Road.

Dickerson says the main issue is one of public safety for motorists and residents.

“What I think is the most effective and expeditious way to resolve the problem of public safety is to declare a short moratorium, but then give the DOT an opportunity to advise you on what needs to be done,” Dickerson explained. “When you look at the DOT requirements and you look at the public safety requirements, there are at least some concerns about the use of that road as a through road by the public.”

Those concerns, according to Dickerson include little or no shoulders on either side of the road, no rights of way on record, the general poor conditon of the road, along with the possibility of falling branches from overhanging trees hitting vehicles.

Dickerson also pointed to a study done by Keith Canup on the number of vehicles that have been using New Road since the new Currahee Parkway opened.

“The County commissioned a study by Keith Canup, who is a county employee, back in 2017. Over a 3-day period there were 600 vehicles using that road. On one day alone that included 44 18-wheelers. That road is just not going to last long unless you do something with it,” Dickerson said.

According to Dickerson, 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.

Dickerson recommended Avalon officials work with the Georgia Department of Transportation engineers during the 120-day moratorium in order to come up with a plan for the future of New Road.

Avalon City Commissioners took no action Monday night, but plan to vote on the moratorium at their next regular meeting.