The City of Avondale Estates is one of 19 recipients of the highly competitive grants for transportation infrastructure projects across the state through the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB). The $1.5 million grant will fund US 278 Roadway, Streetscape and Pedestrian Enhancements and is a part of the awarding of approximately $18.1 million in funding by the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA).
The City will use the funds for a project designed to reduce US 278 from five lanes to three from Ashton Place to Sam's Crossing. It will provide sidewalks corridor-wide, traffic-controlled pedestrian crossings with median islands, access management, bike lanes and traffic signal timing. The project will improve safety and multimodal access to MARTA stations and local businesses.
“SRTA is proud to partner with the City of Avondale Estates as they transform this section of US 278 into a roadway that improves mobility for all users and better fits with their long-term vision for the corridor,” Chris Tomlinson, Executive Director of SRTA, said. “It is clear that the US 278 Roadway, Streetscape and Pedestrian Enhancements project is a high priority project that could help attract economic development. We look forward to our partnership with the City.”
Since its inception in 2009, GTIB has awarded more than $124 million in grants and loans to highly competitive transportation projects to enhance mobility in local communities throughout Georgia. This year SRTA received 32 applications from eligible local government entities in Georgia, including community improvement districts (CIDs). Funds distributed by GTIB must be used for capital expenses related to road and bridge infrastructure work.
Grant applications are evaluated on a competitive basis. The criteria include transportation and engineering merit, economic merit, matching funds and project specifics, such as the project phase and feasibility. Loan applications are evaluated based on creditworthiness and the merits of the project itself. An advisory committee comprised of stakeholder representatives reviews applications and provides feedback to SRTA staff, who then make recommendations to the SRTA board.