The Stockbridge city council met on Tuesday, July 27. During their meeting, they approved a contract for local road improvements. They also approved a resolution seeking a quiet zone with Norfolk Southern railroad. Both projects advance before the upcoming grand opening of the Stockbridge amphitheater.
Local Road Improvements
The council awarded a $2.6 million dollar contract for East Atlanta Road and Lee Street road improvements. Both East Atlanta and North Lee Street border either side of the city’s new amphitheater.
The city awarded the contract to Summit Construction and Development, LLC of Stone Mountain, GA. They submitted the lowest bid of four contractors. Their bid totaled $2,644,451.02.
The contract includes the following:
- Widening East Atlanta Road to three lanes between SR 138 and Love Street. Therefore, this allows for a new southbound right hand turn lane onto North Henry Blvd. In addition, there will be a northbound left hand turn lane from East Atlanta to Love Street.
- Moving South Lee Street to align across from North Lee Street. This will also improve the traffic signal with SR 138.
- Finally, the project includes sidewalks along East Atlanta Road and North Lee Street.
City staff estimate the project to last roughly one year. They anticipate most of the heavy construction to be complete before next spring. This would minimize disruptions to spring concerts at the amphitheater.
Council members requested staff to bring back soon another project on North Lee Street. The project includes beautification, such as street trees, up to Bryant Street.
Railroad Quiet Zone
The council also approved a request to create a railroad quiet zone at the Love Street crossing. The request comes following two years of discussion with Norfolk Southern railroad. If the quiet zone is approved, then trains will not blow their horn when approaching the crossing. This would reduce noise impacts at the adjacent amphitheater.
The city’s resolution also approves the closure of the Nolan Street crossing. The railroad desired the closing and the city approved their request. Norfolk Southern will pay Stockbridge $50,000 for closing the rail crossing. Afterwards, the city can use the funds to help with any costs to implement the quiet zone.
Councilman Alphonso Thomas abstained from the vote because of the opposition to closing the Nolan Street crossing. He remarked the crossing connects the Tye Street community and Stockbridge Elementary School. Though he abstained, Thomas echoed support with the rest of the council for the quiet zone.
There is no timetable when the quiet zone may go into effect.
Featured image shows the Stockbridge amphitheater and city hall. Photo credit C. Carte.
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