Cascade Road Getting Bike Lane and Slower Traffic

The city of Atlanta is reconfiguring Cascade Road to slow vehicles and make travel safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Cascade is being taken from four vehicular lanes to two lanes, all the way from Olympian Way to Sandtown Road.

One additional significant change is that a bike lane is being added, said Valerie Bell-Smith, spokeswoman for the city’s Department of Public Works.

All the work is part of the city’s overall goal of calming traffic and supporting modes of transportation other than the car, she said.

“The city is attempting to improve pedestrian safety as well as encourage alternative modes of transportation throughout the city as part of the Connect Atlanta Plan,” Bell-Smith said.

A traffic study conducted late last year showed that a bike lane and slower traffic movement was warranted, she said.

“In addition, the route was identified as a core bicycle connection route within Atlanta’s transportation system, which recommends providing a formalized, dedicated space for bicycles,” Bell-Smith said.

The projected cost of $129,000 is being paid with proceeds of the city’s $150 million Quality of Life bond program. The public was notified of the pending change at a meeting in January, Bell-Smith said.

Bell-Smith said most of the re-striping of Cascade is to be complete by Feb. 25.

Signs cautioning drivers about the bike lane are to be installed every 3,000 feet, she said.

Public comments can be submitted to the public works department by calling 404-330-6739 or sending an email to publicworks@atlantaga.gov.

“We hope the community will begin to realize the improvements to public safety and traffic flow while understanding the importance and relevance of sharing the road and encouraging alternative modes of transportation,” Bell-Smith said.