Midtown Atlanta Makeover Continues

Improvements to Midtown Atlanta just keep on coming! As you’ll recall, I posted a couple weeks back that some Midtown Atlanta Streets were getting a makeover. Crescent Street certainly was in need of some sprucing! But it seems that is not all that has been happening in Midtown.

Most of these streetscape improvments are designed to enhance the pedestrian experience in Midtown Atlanta while giving Midtown its own idenity. I can say from personal experience that some of the improvements below are certainly a welcome addition to Midtown.

• Installation of new LED countdown ped-heads and traffic signals are nearing completion:  New, safer, more energy efficient signals have been installed throughout Midtown.  The Midtown Alliance received a grant from GDOT to begin this project and most recently, was awarded a second grant from the US Department of Energy to complete it.  These new signals are 80-90% more energy efficient. The new countdown crossings are great….it really helps you know how much time you have to cross the street. From a drivers perspective, it’s also like having a warning that the signal is about to change, so you can be a bit more prepared to stop. (Or some some people do, speed through the intersection on the yellow light!)

• Streetscape projects begin on Peachtree Street from Peachtree Circle to the I-75/85 Bridge: This long-awaited phase of the Peachtree Streetscape furthers progress made between 3rd Street and West Peachtree Street.  The project was designed to extend pedestrian improvements to the north end of Peachtree Street, improve public safety and create a better balance between large volumes of vehicular traffic and a more walkable urban environment.   The project is expected to be completed in early 2011.

• Five new traffic signals installed to create safer mobility for Midtown pedestrians and drivers: Midtown Alliance is in the process of completing construction.  Now at these intersections, traffic will move more smoothly and pedestrian crossings will be significantly safer:

• • 6th and Peachtree
  • 6th and Juniper
  • 8th and Piedmont
  • 12th and West Peachtree
  • 12th and Spring

  I can certainly tell you, that the  6th Street and 8th Street installations are going to be a welcome addition. There is a crosswalk at 6th and Peachtree, but just try to get a car to stop for you!

• In mid-August, Midtown Alliance will assume the maintenance of the medians and planted materials on the 14th Street Bridge. A few months ago, we celebrated the re-opening of the 14th Street Bridge with our government and community partners. We can all take pride in this gateway into Midtown, representing the power of partnerships. This too will be welcomed! I’m not sure who was suppose to be maintaining them up until now, but there are already plants that have died!  And there are a few unsightly weeds starting to show….not the Welcome To Midtown we want to see!

You’ll be sure to notice these improvements underway on your next visit to Midtown Atlanta. If you live in Midtown, watch out for the construction!