Simpson-West Peachtree Streetscape Improvements
The JSA-McGill Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) plan identified the need for improvements to enhance the pedestrian experience between the Civic Center MARTA Rail Station and the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola attractions. This area is rapidly redeveloping into a dense, urban mixed-use neighborhood. The planned improvements will make it easier for pedestrians to access the new attractions and growing neighborhood, as well as encourage additional redevelopment.
The project area includes the sidewalks and intersections along Simpson Street between Centennial Olympic Park Drive and West Peachtree Street and West Peachtree Street, extending from Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard to Hardy Ivy Park (at the intersection of Simpson Street).
Proposed improvements on Simpson Street between Centennial Olympic Park Drive and West Peachtree Street include two 10’ wide lanes of traffic, one in each direction and a minimum 6’ wide sidewalk on the north side of Simpson Street. On the south side of Simpson Street a 5’wide planting strip with an adjacent 10’ wide sidewalk is proposed. The above improvements are proposed within the existing right-of-way by eliminating a lane of existing on-street parking. Street trees will be consistently spaced at 30’ on center and additional street and pedestrian lighting will be added.
An enhanced streetscape has been also proposed along West Peachtree Street, extending from the Civic Center MARTA station to Hardy Ivy Park. Sidewalks will be upgraded and widened with a 5’ clear zone added with street trees spaced 30’ to 40’ on center, as well as pedestrian lighting where possible within the existing right-of-way. New on-street parking will be added on the west side of West Peachtree Street. The intersection of West Peachtree Street and Simpson Street will be given special emphasis as a gateway entrance into Centennial Hill with a raised pedestrian friendly intersection.
Along both streets sidewalk improvements will include replacing existing broken concrete with new materials, making granite curb improvements, adding trash cans and banners, as well as “greening” the corridor with new raised planters, additional flower baskets, additional street trees and tree well plantings. Planned safety improvements at all intersections include providing ADA-compliant sidewalks and ramps on deficient streets, re-painting high-visibility crosswalk markings at all crosswalks, performing electrical work to repair pedestrian signals and performing drainage work to eliminate ponding in crosswalks. Traffic signals will be added at the intersections of Simpson Street with Spring Street, Williams Street and Centennial Olympic Park Drive.
The total design and construction cost of the improvements is estimated at $2.9 million dollars. Funding for the project is being provided by an Atlanta Regional Commission Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) implementation grant. Matching funds are being contributed by the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District.
For additional information contact: Jennifer Ball at (404) 522-3344 or jball at atlantadowntown.com
