The brush has been cut back on the southeast side of the intersection with William Street and when my husband saw two workmen there today, he went over to thank them for the improvement and came back with some astonishing news. They were Department of Transportation workers and said the project to widen Chavasse from William to Raleigh Road is finally going to take place. The sidewalk will be built and a wide berth will go over the tracks so pedestrians will have a safe place to walk.
The project is long, long overdue. Studies were done, the right of ways were purchased and the utility company moved poles years ago. Jimmy Crawford set aside money and then nothing happened. Many people, who have to walk to get groceries, drugs, and postal orders, walk in the ditches, push strollers in high weeds, and some even ride motorized wheel chairs across the tracks- all at an intersection that carries 8000 vehicles a day. (This was the last report I read).
Over the years frustrations have grown about why this project, which was so critically needed for transportation and pedestrians, was waylaid. When I warned one chief engineer that a terrible accident was going to happen there, he simply said, “I hear that all the time.” There was no concern shown for correcting this problem and no push from our elected officials.
Another excuse, that the project was not needed since Chavasse is to be closed with the high speed rail, made no sense. As they build the overpasses, the traffic on the Chavasse crossing will increase. Then with the pedestrian tunnel at Peachtree Street, the sidewalk at Chavasse will be essential. Also, the road that now lies behind Larry’s Service and in front of the water tower is to be improved and connected to the overpass at the vicinity of Alexander. So, it is obvious that Chavasse Ave. is going to be a critical corridor both during the changes for the high speed rail and after the changes are made.
Just think of the possibilities. Maybe the old JP Taylor tobacco factory which is now Henderson Storage will become the new high speed rail station with shops and restaurants as other cities have done. Maybe the round-about will be uncovered and historically preserved for tourism. Maybe Mistletoe Villa will become a Bed and Breakfast for passengers. While this may be a dream, there are those who are working to preserve the appearance of our city in this area. Mike and Jerry Williams must be congratulated for the landscaping improvements their company, MR Williams, has made along this stretch and they keep it clean in addition to being attractive landscaping.
So, whoever got this ball rolling should take a bow and when spring comes and traffic is disrupted we should all be glad.
Kudos to the council for moving forward on this, and to whoever serves that ward.
Better late than never, as the saying goes. Having a wider road and sidewalks will be a definite improvement for residents of the area. Without dreamers what would ever get accomplished?