American Council of Engineering Companies Georgia 2022 Engineering Excellence Honor Award
S. Milledge Rd. & Whitehall Rd.
Athens, GA
BACKGROUND
As a main corridor for a large population that travels from Oconee County to Athens for employment and education at the University of Georgia, S. Milledge Road and Whitehall Road experienced heavy traffic. Due to a combination of poor sight distance and a poor intersection lane geometry, commuters experienced long delays on this roadway.
SUMMARY
MTJ provided the roundabout operational analysis, horizontal design optimization, and vertical design support for this project. To address the traffic and safety concerns while accommodating complex physical constraints, MTJ’s design centered around a non-circular roundabout that would maximize the available right of way and limit adverse impacts to historic and adjacent business properties.
With the successful implementation of this unique compact roundabout, the S. Milledge/Whitehall Road corridor now provides a safer, more efficient roadway for daily commuters.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Minimized negative impacts to surrounding properties
- Preserved business access/circulation
- Compatible with existing roadway cross sections, providing optimal pedestrian/ bicycle accommodations
- Accommodated large trucks, transit/school buses, emergency response vehicles
