By Mike Mason, mayor, Peachtree Corners | We’ve received a number of queries on the proposed pedestrian bridge that will connect the Town Center to the Forum and also to the city’s multi-use trail system.
Following are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Q: Why do we need a pedestrian bridge? The simple fact is the bridge is needed for safety. There are over 45,000 cars that travel Peachtree Parkway daily, and that number is projected to increase to 50,000 within five years. It would only take one distracted driver who doesn’t see pedestrians making their way across the street for a tragedy to occur. It is imperative that the city provide a safe means for pedestrians to move easily from the Town Center to The Forum. The Town Center is expected to draw thousands every day. It is not practical to assume people will get in their cars and travel the short distance to cross the street.
Q: Why not consider building a tunnel? Because of a creek that runs underneath Peachtree Parkway, building a tunnel would present a number of issues, one of which would be a continuous problem of dampness due to the close proximity of the creek. Adding a bridge, on the other hand, adds value to the city in terms of appearance and recognition. It is also part of the multi-use trail system and connects the trailheads for walkers, cyclists.
Q: Why not build just a simple bridge structure that will allow people to safely get from the Town Center to The Forum? We have an opportunity to not only build a safe means to cross the street but one that’s a pleasant and enjoyable experience. By building more than just a walkway, we have the opportunity to create a distinctive landmark that will serve the community well for years to come. By keeping our city attractive to new businesses and those looking to relocate, the positive impact will be felt by all of us as we watch our community become a more viable and favored place to live.
Q: Can we afford it? Yes, a pedestrian bridge is a transportation project and qualifies for SPLOST funding. Our SPLOST is dedicated to transportation. These SPLOST dollars have helped us launch an aggressive transportation improvement plan to address the traffic problems that existed before Peachtree Corners became a city. Non-residents contribute a significant amount. Of the 36,200 jobs in our city, only about 12 percent of the jobs are filled by residents. The sales tax they generate helps pay for road improvements. Peachtree Corners property owners already enjoy a zero millage rate. No additional city taxes will be needed to pay for the pedestrian bridge.
Q: Where are we in the process? We are still gathering information to help complete the design phase. No decisions have been made and no votes have been taken. The process for developing a bridge actually started with the 2013 Comprehensive Plan which recommended that the City conduct an in-depth analysis of the Town Center area. The Town Center study was completed in 2015 and included the recommendation that a pedestrian bridge be built over Peachtree Parkway as part of a multi-use trail system. In fact, adding a pedestrian bridge was rated as the highest priority by survey participants. The city has held two community meetings so far. Stay tuned, we’ll be holding more information-gathering events in the coming months to get your input.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to write me or one of the council members.
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