PUBLIC PROJECT CONSTRUCTION UPDATE – April 3, 2026
Highway 20 Pedestrian Bridge.
Bridge design, permitting and bid phases are complete. The contract has been awarded to Ohmshiv Construction, LLC. Recently, beams between two of the bents on the southside of HWY 20 were installed. On the north side, pilings were installed and concrete bents were poured. Bent caps for the northside have been poured for #6B, 7, & 8. Work has also begun on MSE wall 2 at the end of the northramp. The anticipated completion date is 2026.
Downtown Greenway/LCI Project.
The trail connection from Highway 20 at PIB to the downtown pedestrian bridge and is funded by the LCI (Livable Centers Initiative) program administered by Georgia DOT. The project will provide an urban greenway connection from PIB/20 to Alton Tucker and then back to Highway 20. The timeline for construction and final alignment will be determined once we have the design finished. A design contract has been finalized with Keck & Wood. Design work is anticipated to be completed by the second quarter of 2026. Surveys have been done and environmental and archeological assessments have been submitted to GDOT, as required by federal funding. The alternate alignment will be run through the process with GDOT and the right-of-way screening process to determine any challenges with the route.
Northside Greenway.
As part of their developments, Novare Sugar Hill, The Refinery by Prestwick and Hillcrest Landing are constructing segments of the Greenway to the North of Hwy 20 and along Hillcrest Dr. This will consist of a winding segment from Stanley St. through their developments and connecting to the sidewalk on Hillcrest Dr. at Brookdale Dr. Solar lighting was recently installed on the Novare portion and is complete. Staff recently explored an area north of this to determine the feasibility of winding the trail through the woods to Richland Creek. This proposed alignment looks promising. We are working with the design team to come up with a cost-effective and an efficient route. Design work is now underway with the alignment selected. We also have begun discussions for easements and ROW for the trail.
Highway 20 widening.
The County has started a project on Highway 20 that consists of widening the road from Buford Highway to Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. This project will also include an enhanced sidewalk along the South side of Hwy 20 that will connect to the Downtown Greenway/ LCI project. It will provide walking access to the Buford Highway area from Downtown. Median construction has begun with a few slow downs due to utility relocation. They are also working in the area of the bridge over the Railroad, constructing supports for the widening of the roadway above.
E Center Renovations
Based on user and operational requests, we have started design work on several areas of the E Center. New HVAC systems have been installed and are operational. Based on user input, our design team is exploring options to provide shading to the promenade and 39th street. This will create a more comfortable environment for citizens during the heat of the summer months. To enhance safety and security, our design team is working on upgrades to the door hardware, egress and life safety pathways and methods to ensure the building can be secured at night and in the event of an emergency. We will be able to determine a delivery schedule once design elements are approved. The design phase has begun and bid documents should be ready before the end of 2026.
Roosevelt Collection (Affordable Housing)
The project consists of 25 detached housing units of varying size and the development of the underlying land to support them. An RFQ (Request For Qualifications) was issued in December to establish a partner for the design and construction of an affordable housing project on Roosevelt Circle but resulted in an insufficient number of responses. Subsequently, an RFP was issued for the site development on March 1. Proposals were due on April 2, 2026 and are under evaluation now. When that is under contract, we will look for a partner to construct the housing.
LMIG 2026 Street paving.
IFB 26-001 was advertised to find a contractor to pave various streets in the City. Bids were opened on March 3rd. We are evaluating them now. A recommendation will be made at the April City Council meeting. Additional funding has been provided by the State under the amended 2026 budget from the Local Road Assistance program. So, nine (9) additional streets will be added to the contract request and making the total length of road repairs close to 5 miles for this year.
The streets on this project are:
Ridge Lake Park Phase 3 Parking
An RFP was issued for the construction of the pervious paver parking area in Ridge Lake Park. Proposals were received February 26th and are under evaluation now. A recommendation will be made at the April City Council meeting.
Ridge Lake Park Phase 3 Pavillion
The Public Works Department is constructing a pavilion behind the new playground. They have completed the pad, columns and roof structure. Finish work and electrical work will be next and should be finished by the end of the month.
Downtown Sidewalks
Work has begun to repair sidewalks in the Downtown area. Failing cement and mis-aligned brick pavers are being replaced and re-set. This project should be completed in two to three weeks.
