Public Information Open House for Kensington MARTA Station Trail – Phase I

P.I. No. 0017992

DeKalb County, GA

November 13th, 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Covington Library

3500 Covington Highway

Decatur, GA 30032

This project proposes to construct improvements along four roadway segments bordering the Kensington MARTA Station in DeKalb County. The project is approximately 1.4 miles and would improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to the MARTA Station for the surrounding area. The purpose of the PIOH is to share the proposed design and collect feedback from the public.

Your comments are important to us. You may provide your comments today by filling out the comment card provided here  and emailing it to pgkeeter@dekalbcountyga.gov. The comment period closes December 5, 2024

Why are we here and what is the issue we are seeking to address within your community? 

Facilities for cyclists and pedestrians at and around the Kensington MARTA Station are sporadic. The sidewalks are intermittent, narrow, and in disrepair. There are no bike accommodations that connect directly to the station. 

Current Conditions in the Project Area: 

The current conditions in the area around the Kensington MARTA Station:

• Limited pedestrian and bicycle facilities
• What facilities exist encourage uncontrolled pedestrian crossings due to the lack of direct access to the Kensington MARTA Station 
• The high density residential, office, and county government facilities adjacent to, and in the area of, the Kensington MARTA Station encourages pedestrian and alternate modes of travel 
• Worn paths along the side of the road indicate there is a pedestrian demand for improved facilities

Without this Project (No Build):

• The limited sidewalk connectivity problems would not be addressed in the project area; sidewalks increase pedestrian safety
• The lack of cyclist facilities connected to the MARTA Station would not be addressed; bicycle facilities increase cyclist safety

Proposed Solution:

Georgia DOT project PI 0017992 proposes to construct improvements along four roadway segments bordering the Kensington MARTA Station in DeKalb County. The project is approximately 1.4 miles and would improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to the MARTA Station for the surrounding area. The current typical section and proposed improvements are described below for each segment.

• Segment 1:  SR 154/Memorial Drive from Kensington Road to SR 10/Mountain Drive. Segment 1 is approximately 0.20 mile and consists of six travel lanes (three in each direction), a center turn lane and urban shoulders. A 5-foot sidewalk with a 2-foot buffer strip is located on the northwest side while on the southeast side of the roadway is a 5-foot sidewalk with no buffer strip. The existing right-of-way (ROW) is 110-120 feet in width. The project would construct a 10-foot shared-use path on the northwest side of the roadway to replace the existing sidewalk.
• Segment 2:  SR 10/Mountain Drive from US 278/SR 12/Covington Highway to SR 154/Memorial Drive. Segment 2 is approximately 0.60 mile and consists of four undivided travel lanes (two in each direction) and urban shoulders. An intermittent 5-foot sidewalk with 2-foot buffer strip is located on the north side of the roadway, there is no sidewalk on the south side.  The existing ROW is 130-150 feet in width. The project would reconstruct the roadway with two travel lanes (one in each direction), a center turn lane, urban shoulders, a 5-foot buffered sidewalk on the north side of the roadway, and 10-foot shared-use path on the south side.
• Segment 3:  US 278/SR 12/Covington Highway from SR 10/Mountain Drive to Kensington Road. Segment 3 is approximately 0.20 mile and consists of four travel lanes (two in each direction), a center turn lane and urban shoulders along with 5-foot sidewalks (no buffer strips) on both sides of the roadway. The existing ROW is about 90 feet in width. The project would construct a 10-foot shared-use path on the northeast side of the roadway to replace the existing sidewalk.
• Segment 4:  Kensington Road from US 278/SR 12/Covington Highway through the SR 154/ Memorial Drive intersection to Gatehouse Drive. Segment 4 is approximately 0.40 mile and consists of four travel lanes (two in each direction), a center turn lane and urban shoulders. Five-foot sidewalks with no buffer strips are located on both sides of the roadway. The existing ROW is 80-85 feet in width. The project would reconstruct the roadway with two travel lanes (one in each direction) along with a center turn lane, a 10-foot shared-use path on the north side of the roadway, and 5-foot buffered sidewalk on the south side.

Benefits of Project Implementation:

• Add shared-use paths for improved bicycle connectivity, walkability, and safety enhancements for those walking on foot
• A shared-use path connecting to the Kensington MARTA station provides controlled pedestrian road crossings and improves safety.

How Can You Assist:

Please provide feedback about our proposed alternative solutions as well as information about any resources important to you or to the community.

Materials: