DOT says opinions split on Hwy. 29

The DOT has released data from its July 30 open house regarding the bypass of Danielsville, revealing a 50-50 split between those who approve and disapprove of the project.

“This is an overview,” DOT spokesperson Teri Pope said in an email. “No route has been eliminated or selected yet. We are continuing to work through the comments.”

Of those who left comments at the open house, 47 oppose the project regardless of which route is chosen, while 47 support it in some form. Nine others are uncommitted.

Of those 47 who favor a bypass option in some fashion, 26 support of it fully, while 21 support it with conditions.

The DOT, however, has no data over which of the four bypass options is most popular with those leaving comments.

The bypass possibilities include one route that goes west of Danielsville, another that goes east, and two that start east of town and cut back across Hwy. 29 and swing west. Each of the four bypass options spans at least 11 miles, tying back into Hwy. 29 north of Danielsville near the intersection of Hwy. 281.

An online poll conducted by The Madison County Journal last week revealed that 89 percent of those who voted favored an east option opposed to west bypass.

Those commenting to the DOT raised several questions about the project, including traffic concerns, cost feasibility, the impact on property value, the effect on homes and businesses, increased development in the area, school traffic, impacts to the environment and whether the project is actually needed.

Sixty-seven people also signed a petition requesting another open house.

Pope said the DOT would hold at least one more public meeting should there ever be a “buildable route” and funding to move forward with the project. That meeting is actually required by federal law. Any meetings so far have been public information open houses.

Pope said last week that the DOT is “years away” from any funding or decision regarding the Hwy. 29 project.




Inside the numbers

Here’s a breakdown of the comments given to the DOT at a July 30 open house regarding a proposed widening of Hwy. 29 and bypass of Danielsville:

47 — Oppose the project, regardless of which route is chosen

26 — Support project

21 — Support the project with conditions (such as, just supporting one route)
9 — Uncommitted

103 — Number of comments submitted

67 — Those requesting an additional open house

269 — Citizens attending open house

Source: Georgia Department of Transportation