The Athens-Clarke County Transportation and Public Works Department is seeking public input through November 1, 2024 on complete street improvements to help reimagine the North Avenue corridor. 

This project proposes pedestrian and operational improvements along North Avenue in Athens-Clarke County beginning just south of North Avenue’s intersection with Willow Street and ending just north of North Avenue’s intersection with Freeman Drive. Improvements include the construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The total project length is approximately 1.2 miles. 

A public information open house is planned for Tuesday, October 22 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Boys and Girls Club of Athens (705 Fourth Street). Staff will be available to share information about the project and receive feedback on the proposed road improvements. Spanish language interpreters will be available at the meeting.

In addition to the open house, an online survey is available at www.accgov.com/northavenue through November 1. Comments can also be submitted in English or Spanish by voicemail by calling 762-400-8373. 

Background materials, maps, and other details on the project are available at the project webpage, along with a link to a video of the staff presentation on the project at the Mayor and Commission's October 8, 2024 Work Session meeting. Project layouts will be available on the webpage prior to the public meeting. Residents can also sign up on the webpage to receive updates on the project through email or text message.

In 2022, ACCGov was awarded $25 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to make complete street improvements along North Avenue. The grant program aims to make transportation systems safer, more accessible, affordable, and sustainable for the area.

Initial public engagement was conducted in 2023 to hear concerns and inform design options for the area. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2026.

Funds are coming from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Discretionary Grant Program. The $25 million grant is one of the largest grants ever received by Athens-Clarke County.

For more information on the North Avenue Corridor Improvements, call the Athens-Clarke County Transportation and Public Works Department at 706-613-3440 or email [email protected]om