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North Augusta to Upgrade Roadways with $6 Million Plan

Proposed changes to enhance safety in North Augusta's downtown area

News Summary

The North Augusta Planning Commission has proposed nearly $6 million in traffic improvements, focusing on making Georgia Avenue safer and more pedestrian-friendly. Notable plans include a $3.75 million roundabout at a busy intersection and various traffic calming measures throughout the downtown area. The City Council is set to discuss these crucial enhancements that aim to reduce accidents and improve community safety, with work potentially starting soon.

Exciting Times Ahead for North Augusta’s Roads!

North Augusta is buzzing with news about some much-needed upgrades to its roadways! The North Augusta Planning Commission has recommended a whopping almost $6 million in traffic improvements aimed primarily at making Georgia Avenue safer and more pedestrian-friendly. This is a big step towards enhancing our beloved downtown area.

Roundabout Plans Take Center Stage

Among the exciting proposals is a new roundabout at the bustling intersection of Georgia, Carolina, and Jackson Avenues. This is expected to cost about $3.75 million. The planning commission voted in favor of this innovative solution on April 16, 2025, recognizing that it can significantly improve traffic flow and decrease accidents in this crowded area.

Interestingly enough, a less costly alternative to simply cut away pavement and realign Carolina Avenue had previously been considered but was dismissed and is not on the recommendation list. Clearly, the focus is now on solutions that truly enhance safety and efficiency.

Traffic Calming and Safety First

The improvements aren’t just limited to the roundabout. The $6 million project encompasses multiple priority areas specifically targeting traffic calming and pedestrian safety. Here’s a breakdown:

Priority 1: From Pine Grove to Spring Grove – This involves narrowing travel lanes, adding a raised center median, and converting angled parking to parallel. Estimated cost: $1.19 million.
Priority 2: From Buena Vista to Pine Grove – Focused on narrowing lanes and introducing a new flashing pedestrian crossing. Estimated cost: $260,000.
Priority 3: From Spring Grove to Jackson – Features an added center median and high visibility crossings. Estimated cost: $470,000.
Priority 4: From Center Street to Buena Vista – A new flashing pedestrian crossing is included here as well. Estimated cost: $420,000.
Priority 5: At Georgia Avenue, Carolina, and Jackson – This includes the mentioned multi-lane roundabout and improvements to pedestrian crossings. Estimated cost: $3.476 million.

Why Does This Matter? Safety Data Speaks Volumes

Now, you might be wondering why all this investment is necessary. Well, crash data from between 2016 and 2021 reveals that there were five injury crashes at the intersection, which accounted for a significant one-sixth of all injury crashes in the downtown area during that period. With more traffic expected as the area grows, these improvements are not just welcome but essential!

What’s Next for North Augusta?

The City Council is gearing up to discuss these plans soon, with the excitement building among residents and officials alike. If everything goes smoothly, we could see the first improvements on Georgia Avenue starting late this fall or early next year. The focus will initially be on the section between Pine Grove and Spring Grove Avenues, setting the stage for a safer downtown experience.

Additionally, funding has already been set aside from the existing sales tax budget for these proposed improvements. A new cycle of sales tax, recently approved by Aiken County voters, will also contribute to funding future enhancements on Georgia Avenue.

While focusing on safety and accessibility, the Planning Commission still values community needs. They have suggested the idea of expanding downtown parking to accommodate the potential overflow traffic onto East and West Avenues as a result of these changes.

In Summary

North Augusta is on the verge of a traffic revolution! With substantial investments and smart solutions like the roundabout at Malfunction Junction, residents can look forward to a safer, more navigable, and pedestrian-friendly downtown. As the plans unfold, there’s a sense of excitement for what these enhancements will bring to our community!