Simpson-West Peachtree Streetscape Improvements

Construction Update - February 10, 2012

• NOTICE!  Asphalt milling and re-paving of both Simpson Street between Centennial Olympic Park Drive and West Peachtree Street; and West Peachtree Street between Simpson Street and Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard will begin soon.  A specific date for the commencement of work will be announced soon.  Paving can only occur when temperatures are above 55 degrees at 9:00 am.  If paving is delayed by the weather it will resume as soon as temperatures are favorable.  Milling the existing asphalt will take several days to complete.  Paving will follow immediately and also take several days to complete.  All work will be performed between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.

• All curb and sidewalk replacement is complete except for a few locations where repairs are needed or where utility relocation needs to be completed so that wood poles can be removed and concrete poured at those locations. This work is anticipated to be completed in the next two weeks.
   
• The installation of the new traffic signals - Simpson Street at Centennial Olympic Park Drive, Williams Street and Spring Street - will begin in late February with the installation of pole bases.  The poles, mast arms and signal heads will follow in early March.
   
• Final project completion is targeted for late March 2012.

Project Approach

The contractor is limited to disturbing 300 feet of sidewalk area at one time. However, paving, striping and some furnishings will be handled for the entire project area. All sidewalk closures and detours will be accessible and well-marked. The permitted work hours are 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Night work requires special permission and consideration. The team’s goal and desire is to schedule work around special events, busy hours of the day and ensure access to businesses throughout the duration of the project.

Project Contacts

If you have questions or concerns regarding the project management contact
Bruce Pinkney with Silverman Construction Program Management
(404) 447-8151 and bpinkney@silvermancpm.com.

Questions about the scope of work or other aspects of the project should be directed to
Carly Nassar with Central Atlanta Progress and Atlanta Downtown Improvement District
(404) 658-5915 and cnassar@atlantadowntown.com
 

Background and Overview

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  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).

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 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 will also be constructed 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.

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 $1.9 million dollars. Funding for the project is being provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation via the American Recovery and Revitalization Act of 2009. Matching funds are being contributed by the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District.