Fixing DeKalb Avenue – finally!

from Atlanta Intown - March 2020

by Rough Draft Atlanta: Atlanta Intown, Reporter Newspapers

New Purpose Former Cyclorama reopens as Savanna Hall event space

I drive DeKalb Avenue on a near daily basis. Sometimes it’s just a quick trip to Downtown, others it’s to Decatur. I’ve witnessed head-on collisions in the reversible lane, had my own nearmisses with befuddled drivers, been caught in frustrating tailbacks trying to make a left turn at various intersections, have tried to keep my cool in a line of cars stuck behind cyclists or anyone crazy enough to ride an e-scooter, and I’ve worried about damage to my car driving over the potholes and disintegrating pavement.

EDITOR’S LETTER

For those who seek an exceptional life

Collin Kelley collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

In short: DeKalb Avenue is a mess.

Beginning this summer, it will finally start getting some improvements. The city had put DeKalb Avenue on its Complete Street project list, but the first phase won’t meet all the requirements. Still, I’ll be thrilled with the removal of the so-called “suicide lane” and a repaving. I’m sure the construction headaches will be plenty and go on for months, but I’m trying to picture a drive free of pothole jolts and turn lanes with appropriate signaling (read more on Page 8).

One day, when the city can find some money, I would love to see the rendering created by local architect firm Kronberg Wall come to fruition. It shows a separated bike and walking path, on-street parking, flower-filled medians. In short, a beautiful corridor for motorists and pedestrians.

While the mayor’s “pothole posse” is constantly busy, Atlanta’s streets and sidewalks continue to crumble. I do a fair bit of traveling and I have to say our streets are some of the worst I’ve ever seen in a big city.

And don’t get me started on those steel plates that are supposed to be temporary but linger for months and the missing sidewalk along Sampson Street in Old Fourth Ward that forces pedestrians to walk in the street. It raises my blood pressure.

1162

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