Traffic

RECOMMENDATIONS: Athens Street

TRAFFIC

As is the case in many communities, traffic concerns and pedestrian safety go hand-in-hand. Recommendations that address traffic improvements are generally listed separately from those focusing on streetscaping and pedestrian infrastructure. Where both traffic calming and pedestrian safety need to be jointly addressed, both issues are highlighted under pedestrian safety.

TRAFFIC STUDY AND CALMING MEASURES

A traffic engineering study should be conducted to determine how to improve traffic light patterns at the intersections of MLK Boulevard with E.E. Butler Parkway and Athens Street. At peak traffic times, cars traveling on MLK are backed up beyond the Boys & Girls Club at Myrtle Street. What is often forgotten is that MLK between Myrtle Street and Athens Street is a neighborhood street. The volume of traffic that cuts through this area each day creates issues for residents as they attempt to enter and exit their driveways. Gainesville has several options for reducing the flow of traffic on MLK including installing traffic-calming devices, such as speed tables, as have been used on other neighborhood streets around the city; creating a threeway stop at the intersection of Fair Street and MLK; and working with the hospital to direct traffic heading toward or from I-985 to use Jesse Jewell Parkway, Exit 24. The railroad is a longtime part of the Gainesville community, but trains sometimes block Athens Street for extended periods of time. To address the issue of traffic backing up on Athens Street toward MLK Boulevard when this occurs, the city should consider installing a sign to notify drivers approaching the intersection of MLK and Athens Street who want to turn left onto Athens Street that a train is blocking the roadway. Drivers can then choose to use E.E. Butler as an alternative to reach businesses on Athens Street if appropriate. Signage can also be placed at the intersection of Ridge Road and Athens Street for traffic that may be cutting through to MLK Boulevard.