Traffic study begins

By 2025, many of Columbia County's streets will be overwhelmed with traffic, according to a consulting firm working with the county.

Though that's not news to anyone who has been caught in rush-hour backups, it's the driving fact behind the county's long-range transportation study that is currently being put together.

The report will identify trouble spots in the county and recommendations for future road projects to handle the growing number of cars.

The study, being conducted by TEI Engineers & Planners of Duluth, Ga., will be Columbia County's first countywide look at long-term traffic patterns.

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Though it is required by the state as part of the county's comprehensive plan, Columbia County's transportation plan for urban roads was included in the Augusta Regional Transportation Study, and its rural roads were surveyed by county officials and the state Department of Transportation.

Residents have a couple more months to submit their opinions to the consultants about transportation and traffic planning needs in the county, said Doug Allen, TEI's project manager and Georgia area manager.

He said the company will hold a third public meeting later this month or early December to solicit feedback from county residents and added that he hopes to complete the study by the end of the year.

A recent public meeting at the Columbia County Government Center drew about 30 people to provide suggestions and learn about the county's projected roadwork needs.

Some improvements already being considered in the study include widening Washington Road to Pollards Corner, connecting William Few Parkway to Hereford Farm Road and enhancing segments of Interstate 20.

"We'll be taking a look at these projects and testing them" in the report, Allen said.

People wanting to submit comments and suggestions for the report can be mailed to TEI's office at: TEI Engineers and Planners; Attention: Douglas Allen, AICP; 3675 Crestwood Parkway, Suite 505; Duluth, GA 30096. Comments also can be e-mailed to dallen@tei-us.com or faxed to (770) 279-9297.