Gone are the days when you had to drive to downtown Ellijay for your European-inspired roundabout fix.
The much-anticipated traffic circle at the intersection of Cove Road and Steve Tate Highway is now fully operational - and if a recent visit to the loop is any indicator, drivers are far from being confused by the Pickens rarity.
Monday afternoon at approximately 4 o’clock, moderately heavy traffic, including two large tractor-trailers, flowed easily through the 20-mph circle recently opened to the public.
According to Sole Commissioner Rob Jones, Pickens County paved two portions of Steve Tate Highway approximately two years ago: from Big Canoe’s main gate to the Dawson County line and from the Foothills shopping area to Hwy 53. That left a 1.7 mile section (that includes the renovated intersection) to be paid for by the developer of the proposed Potts Mountain project, located directly across Steve Tate Highway from Cove Road.
“There has been absolutely no expense to the county, and the whole thing has been done to DOT standards,” Jones said in a telephone interview.
The roundabout project includes resurfacing on Steve Tate Road from the North Gate of Big Canoe to Whitley Road.
While Jones said traffic has always been an issue at Pickens’ eastside intersection, the poor condition of the roadway spurred initial discussions with the Potts Mountain developer about making necessary improvements.
According to a report in Big Canoe’s publication, Smoke Signals, construction on the intersection began April 15 by contractor, Bartow Paving Co., and was projected to be completed by June 15.
Landscaping has yet to be added, and heavy equipment remains on the island of the roundabout and surrounding areas, so if you want to try it out in the next few weeks, don’t expect flowerbeds and pavers – yet.
“Landscaping is coming…” Jones said Friday afternoon. “But the roundabout will slow traffic down at the intersection. You just won’t have to stop…I was out there at six this morning, and it’s looking good.” |
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| PHOTO BY ANGELA REINHARDT |
| Cars move smoothly through the traffic circle at the intersection of Cove Road and Steve Tate Highway |
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