Windy Hill Road Construction in Cobb County Faces Delays

News Summary

The Windy Hill Road construction project in Cobb County, Georgia, is set to finish by summer 2025, facing numerous challenges since its inception. Major improvements, including express lanes and new bike paths, are planned. However, community concerns about delays and increased traffic persist, especially with a proposed mixed-use development nearby. Local business owners are hopeful for better traffic flow post-construction, despite ongoing disruptions.

The Long Journey of Windy Hill Road Construction in Cobb County: A Mixed Bag of Optimism and Skepticism

The long-awaited Windy Hill Road construction project in Cobb County, Georgia, is inching closer to completion, although local officials and residents are weighing their hopes against a backdrop of prolonged delays. Originally slated to wrap up in 2023, the project has faced numerous challenges and is now projected to be completed by the summer of 2025, after over five years of detours and disruptions for local drivers.

Major Improvements on the Horizon

The ambitious construction endeavors aim to overhaul Windy Hill Road significantly. Plans include the introduction of express lanes with tunnels, upgrades to critical intersections, and the incorporation of bicycle lanes, walking paths, and parks. The project has been jointly funded by the city and Cobb County, totaling an impressive $55 million, promising to enhance commuter traffic flow while maintaining accessibility for local businesses.

Challenges and Delays

Smyrna City Council meeting, have exhibited a cautious approach towards community expectations surrounding the completion timeline. The feelings of skepticism among local leaders are palpable, as expressed by Mayor Derek Norton, while Councilman Travis Lindley humorously labeled it “the gift that keeps on giving.”

Local Residents React

The Proposed Mixed-Use Development

The proposed development includes plans for 295 multi-family units at a density of 29 units per acre, alongside a building designated for civic uses. However, the development comes with the controversial decision to demolish the existing church on the site to make way for the project. These plans have sparked further discussion among residents who are wary of increased traffic and the effects of additional construction in the area.

Implications for Business Owners

The ongoing construction presents a mixed bag for local business owners. While some express concern about how extended disruptions may negatively impact their operations, there is also hope that the finished project will bring improved traffic flow and increased visits from potential customers drawn to the enhanced infrastructure.

A Glimmer of Hope for Completion

For now, as the deadline of summer 2025 looms, the fate of Windy Hill Road remains uncertain, with both excitement for the future and skepticism about timelines shaping community discourse. Residents and officials alike must temper their expectations as they navigate the often rocky road ahead.

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Additional Resources

• WSB Radio: Windy Hill Road Construction Nears Completion
• Wikipedia: Road Construction
• Cobb County Courier: Smyrna Planning and Zoning Commission Hearing
• Google Search: Smyrna Zoning Commission
• WSB TV: Smyrna Business Owners’ Reactions to Construction
• Google Scholar: Smyrna Business Reactions
• MDJ Online: Photos of Windy Hill Road Project
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Construction Projects