Hallelujah! Howell Mill Road’s Car-Sewer Days Coming to an End
Atlanta Rejoices as Long-Awaited Overhaul Begins
Major changes are underway on the northwest side of Atlanta, where the much-anticipated redo of Howell Mill Road is in full swing. The project, part of the city’s Complete Streets initiative, which began in 2015, is aimed at making this key city artery safer for drivers, more welcoming for pedestrians, and generally more efficient and user-friendly.
According to Atlanta Department of Transportation officials, the resurfacing activities started this week, focusing initially on the stretch of Howell Mill Road that intersects with Interstate 75. The Complete Streets project’s scope will continue to extend from just north of Collier Road down to Marietta Street, a substantial span of about two and a half miles.
Progress Ahead but Expect Delays and Disruptions
Despite the excitement for the long-awaited changes, the city officials have warned of considerable disruption during the construction period, expected to last anywhere between 24 months and three years. According to the most recent project update, the target completion date is winter 2026.
Comprehensive Upgrades for a Rapidly Developing Corridor
The Complete Streets plan for Howell Mill Road includes not just resurfacing, but a comprehensive overhaul of the entire area. The city has plans to revamp traffic signal synchronization through fiber technology upgrades, create raised bike lanes from Forrest Street to all points south along Howell Mill, and make significant improvements to sidewalk infrastructure.
Additional safety initiatives include more mid-block crossings, ADA updates, and enhanced measures for cyclists. The Atlanta City Council gave their full support to fund the substantial undertaking last September, with P2K and Lefko Construction, in a joint venture, chosen as the general contractors to deliver the project.
Redevelopment Sparks Change in an Unchanging Landscape
The overhaul of Howell Mill comes amidst a flurry of private development activity that has transformed the area in recent years. Since 2018, over 1,100 new apartments and townhomes have been constructed in the Howell Mill blocks between 14th and 10th streets alone, with hundreds more units scheduled for completion.
Despite the rapid growth, the three-lane roadway winding through neighborhoods such as Home Park and Marietta Street Artery has seen little significant change in recent years, beyond the addition of a few new crosswalks. Given the pace of development, the project’s focus on improving accessibility and safety has been described by neighborhood leaders as “critical”.
Looking Ahead
The Howell Mill Road project demonstrates the city’s commitment to ongoing urban development and the important balance between accommodating private-sector growth while maintaining and improving public infrastructure. As this major artery evolves, so too does the face of Atlanta, signaling a new era of urban renovation and improvement for the city.
