Members of the Gainesville City Council are considering a traffic improvement plan suggested by local businesses to help alleviate traffic problems on Airport Industrial Parkway and West Ridge Road, near Lee Gilmer Airport.
The plan, which is only in the discussion phase, would cost approximately $35,000, and would turn Airport Industrial into a one-way street (see picture), allowing for better traffic flow onto Queen City Parkway, especially during rush hour.
"It's predominantly just a striping project," said Chris Rotowski, assistant public works director, adding that it would also require "minor construction" along some of the curbs, but would otherwise be a relatiely easy project to carry out.
Crews would also extend the right turn lane on West Ridge, leading onto Queen City Parkway towards Interstate 985.
"(The proposed changes) won't change access to the park for any of the users. It'll just require them to go in one direction," said Rotowski.
One challenge city officials face is the industrial park's proximity to Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport, which Rotowski said limits the possibility of another access point, leaving the entrance off Queen City Parkway as the only way in or out.
"This is tucked into the corner of both runways of the airport, so we can't really provide a relief road of any capacity," said Rotowski.
City leaders voiced their support of the idea, and said they spoke with business leaders in the area, who suggested the change.
"I think the people who use those roads probably know better than anyone else," said Councilman George Wangemann.
Mayor Danny Dunagan voiced his agreement at Thursday morning's city council work session.
A formal resolution will be presented at a future work session to set the plan in motion officially.
