OUR VIEW
The intersection of Oak Grove Road and Highway 19-Business may not look like much during most of the week.
But on certain days. And at certain times. It can transform into a traffic trap that seems to rival the most hectic of Atlanta intersections.
A mini-Malfunction Junction if you will.
Often this is during the after-school crunch or the 5 p.m. post-work rush.
It’s during these times that turning left off of Oak Grove has been a dangerous proposition which has led to long backups.
In fact, for years Oak Grove drivers have relied on the generosity of passing motorists, as these kind folks would slow their roll, flash their lights and usher other cars in front of them and onto Highway 19.
In essence these drivers have been acting as unofficial traffic cops.
That’s a nice thought.
But that’s not a traffic plan.
And that can’t last.
That’s why we’re very glad to see that the construction on a new Oak Grove Road roundabout has begun.
It’s a big project that costs nearly $1.9 million, with the state DOT contributing $750,000 and the rest coming from T-SPLOST collections.
It’s also a project that’s completely altering commutes for people living on that side of town.
Some are traveling Hamp Mill Road. Others are going the opposite way on Highway 19-Business and around the reservoir.
This will go on until August.
And, yes, there will be plenty traffic headaches along the way.
But in the end, it will be worth it.
We need this roundabout. The people have asked for it. The officials have listened.
And kudos to the city, county and state for making it happen.
Because it’s something that will ultimately make for a much safer drive around Dahlonega.
And that’s worth a few detours to get there.