Square Traffic Is Discussed

Most members of the Monticello City Council met with most of the Jasper County Commission Monday evening in an effort to work on traffic around the Monticello town Square.

The meeting was planned after District 4 Commissioner Asher Gray said the county wants to be in on discussions with the city for improvements to the Square. Representatives of the Georgia Department of Transportation had met with city officials several years ago and developed a plan that the city was not particularly fond of. At that time, the DOT officials told city leaders to come to them when they had suggestions since they didn’t like the DOT plan.

In addition, the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission had made suggestions with a plan in the fall of 2021.

Mayor Pro-tem Doug Currie thanked everyone for coming, and said that that when they leave he hopes there’s more that we can all agree on that that we can’t. He also said that they know that a truck route won’t fix things.

Commissioner Gray then said he doesn’t believe in completing the bypass as it disturbs wildlife, and said it won’t benefit the traffic.

Councilwoman Jenny Murphy asked the county if they were prepared to spend money, as any changes are bound to cost money. Commissioner Gray said he assumed GDOT would fund.

Sheriff Donnie Pope was also at the meeting, and he said that as long as there are eight ways to enter the Square and four ways off, it won’t work.

Mayor Pro-tem Currie said that crosswalks are needed in the middle of the Square. Mr. Gray said adding more crosswalks will hold up traffic.

Councilwoman Murphy suggested that dotted lines down the middle of the road would help.

There was much discussion on turning one block of Funderburg Drive one-way as well as making Towhee Street one-way. They talked about making it easier to exit the Square by taking down the stop signs at Funderburg and Towhee. Of course, pedestrian traffic would be affected, mentioned the sheriff.

He suggested re-programming the traffic lights to allow a few seconds delay so the backed up traffic can clear. There was also talk of putting some type of traffic device—flashing light, stop sign, or traffic signal—on Washington street at Church Street.

During the meeting Mr. Currie suggested that the first thing is to try some inexpensive fixes. Mr. Gray said they would make a full plan, get the cost, then decide how to proceed.

There was a suggestion to change the yield signs, so the outer lane of the Square yields to the inner lane rather than the other way around.

Mr. Gray said the first step is a decision on Towhee and Funderburg. Mayor DeAshley Thurman said Funderburg is not a problem. They were discussion feeder roads, and agreed Funderburg is not one, but moving the traffic off that way could help.

Mr. Gray suggested removing the stop signs at those intersections and seeing how it works. Sheriff Pope said without making the roads one way that it is an accident waiting to happen. He suggested making it one-way for six months or a year or people won’t change.

Commissioner Shelia Jones asked aren’t public hearings necessary before any changes are made.

Mr. Currie said they would want the public to engage in the change.

He also reiterated what he said at the beginning of the meeting that he would like everyone to take the provided map and mark the changes they recommend.

After an hour meeting, the group wrapped it up and the city went into budget discussions. Before adjournment, Mr. Gray said the county is deeply involved, and we’re here for you. Commissioner Shelia Jones said it hard being in the city and in the county.

The mayor wrapped it up, and said they would initially pursue lines on the Square and the traffic light delay.