HomeMy Public PortalAbout20160613_GDOT-Hwy80-Response.pdf GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
One Georgia Center, 600 West Peachtree Street, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Telephone: (404) 631-1000
Russell R. McMurry, P.E., Commissioner
June 13, 2016
Georgia Department of Transportation
One Georgia Center
600 West Peachtree Street, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Mayor Jason Beulterman
City of Tybee Island
PO Box 2749
403 Butler Avenue
Tybee Island, GA 31328
Re: Responses to Open House Comments for PI# 0010560, Chatham County, S.R. 26/U.S. 80 @ Lazaretto
Creek and Bull River, Project Number: 0010560
Dear Mayor Beulterman,
Thank you for your comments concerning the proposed project referenced above. We appreciate your
participation and all of the input that was received as a result of the November 17, 2015 Public Information
Open House. Every written comment received and verbal comment given to the court reporter has been made
part of the project’s official record. Although we have been considering the valuable input for the past several
months, we apologize for the delay in sharing these comments and responses. Several topics required further
progress in our studies and design so that we could address them more completely. Part of our answers are
based on decisions or findings over the past two months. Continuing community outreach will be a part of our
ongoing efforts on the project over the next year and beyond.
A total of 180 people attended the open house on November 17. Of the 106 respondents who formally
commented, 54 were in support of the project, 12 were opposed, 18 were uncommitted, and 22 expressed
conditional support.
The attendees of the open house and those persons sending in comments within the comment period raised the
following questions and concerns. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has prepared this one
response letter that addresses all comments received so that everyone can be aware of the concerns raised and
the responses given. Please find the comments summarized below (in italics) followed by our response.
The proposed sidewalk and bicycle lanes are an important and needed part of this project. – 36
comments
Improved connectivity and safety for pedestrians and cyclists are important goals of the project. The proposed
design includes paved shoulders and a 10-foot multi-use path, separated from travel lanes by barriers on the
bridges and a grass buffer along the roadway section where the trail is proposed between Bull River and the
McQueen’s Island Trail access area.
S.R. 26/U.S. 80 should be widened to a four-lane road. – 37 comments
The S.R. 26/U.S. 80 project has been discussed through numerous studies over a 20-year period, including the
most recent Coastal Regional Metropolitan Planning Organization (CORE MPO) planning study in December
2012. The CORE MPO is comprised of local and regional officials , including representatives from the City
of Tybee Island. Due to factors including key environmental resources, average daily traffic, and overall
expense, a four-lane highway was rejected as a practicable option within the current project scope.
S.R. 26/U.S. 80 should not be widened to four lanes. – 11 comments
At this time, the project proposes a two-lane highway with improved paved shoulders for the entirety of the
corridor. The proposed project is recommended by a planning study approved by the CORE MPO in December
2012. Engineering, environmental and hydraulic studies will be performed during the next phase of the project,
which could result in changes to the proposed concept. However, current data supports a two-lane highway
option.
Emergency vehicle access is a concern. S.R. 26/U.S. 80 would benefit from the inclusion of a lane for
emergency vehicles in the event of a traffic incident. – 17 comments
The proposed project includes 10-foot paved full-depth shoulders on both sides, which would allow emergency
vehicles access and/or provide a lane to detour traffic during an incident response.
Opposing traffic lanes need to be separated by a barrier. The bike/pedestrian lane also needs a barrier
to be separated from car traffic. – 12 comments
The project team will investigate the addition of a median barrier. Safety is a central focus of all future
improvements made to S.R. 26/U.S. 80; a barrier could impede access during emergency situations. However,
the proposed multi-use bike/pedestrian path would be separated from travel lanes by a barrier on the bridges
and a grass buffer along the roadway section.
The existing passing lanes need to be removed. – 5 comments
The proposed concept would remove the existing passing lanes on S.R. 26/U.S. 80 between Bull River and
Lazaretto Creek.
If rumble strips are included on the shoulders, it is requested that they be installed in a skip pattern
and on or as close as possible to the fog line. – 2 comments
Options for rumble strips within the shoulders, including those suggested by local cyclists, will be considered
during the design phase following selection of a preferred alternative.
The bike/pedestrian lane/trail should be widened to 12 feet. – 1 comment
The proposed project includes a 10-foot, multi-use trail, which would be a significant amenity for residents
and visitors alike. The bicycle/pedestrian width will be investigated. However, any increase in the width
would have additional impact on the adjacent environmental resources.
The entrance to Fort Pulaski National Monument and the Rails to Trails entrances should be improved
by including dedicated turn lanes. – 3 comments
The proposed concept includes dedicated left- and right-turn lanes at the entrance of Fort Pulaski, McQueen’s
Island Trail access, and the Lazaretto Creek Boat Ramp.
The project should be shifted to avoid encroachment on marina and condominium properties. – 2
comments
At this time, alternatives have been proposed which could potentially shift the p roject to the north or south.
The alternatives will be studied for engineering and environmental issues to determine the best overall layout
that would meet federal regulations and minimize impacts. Landmarks and resident concerns will be
considered during the alternatives process.
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