Auburn Mayor Linda Blechinger began pushing for a cooperative effort to address what had been obvious to an outside company considering a relocation to Barrow. However, one of the determining factors in the decision to go elsewhere was the unpleasing esthestics and safety concerns surrounding the Atlatna Highway.

The initial collaboration between the cities of Auburn, Dacula, Carl, Winder and Statham as well as Gwinnett and Barrow counties identified the effort as the Highway 8 Safety and Beautification Concept. Now, the push is on for a new moniker: the Great Rail Trail.

Below, Mayor Blechinger provides the history of the effort and what lies ahead.

How it all began: The Highway 8 corridor is one of those places that just becomes familiar; we get used to the way it looks and just drive through it day in and day out without much thought. All that changed the day we lost a call center, I say we because all of us along this corridor lost out when this company decided not to come to come here. Three hundred well paying jobs were lost! The main reason they moved on to another place was the condition of the Highway 8 corridor.

We all know this is an important corridor which encompasses both Gwinnett and Barrow counties. While it is true that the corridor has long been neglected we feel it is time (obviously past time) for this corridor to be assessed and addressed.

Five cities and two counties have come together and agreed; we need to do something about this situation and so we began the process of evaluation.

The City of Dacula as well as Auburn, Carl, Winder and Statham are currently in the process of redefining and revitalizing our Down Town areas. Obviously economic development is a huge part of our goal; transportation and developing a stronger sense of community are also priorities for our cities.

What is envisioned? A clean strongly defined landscaped and well maintained corridor that is multi-modal where applicable.

Landscape: So far the committees, who are members from each city and county, have agreed on crape Myrtles along the corridor with color delineating the territories along with various green shrubberies that are very low maintenance. Benches will be spaced throughout the corridor with trees to provide some shade for cyclist.

Formulating this vision required several questions to be answered:

Who currently uses the corridor?

Motorists: Over 11,000 motorists use this corridor daily (Source Barrow County Traffic study)

Cyclists: Although there is not an actual count for cyclists we all acknowledge that the corridor is currently used by cyclist and would be used for major cycling events if bike lanes were incorporated.

Pedestrians: Within city limits citizens look for the ability to walk and ride bicycles to local stores, libraries schools, parks etc.

How far will this project span? Approximately 23 miles encompassing two counties and five cities, eventually we would love to connect to Athens!

What will the cost be?

Each Jurisdiction will be responsible for their portion of the project. Funds will hopefully be raised from various entities, fund raisers, grants, foundations and business donations.

What is the projected time-line? This depends on several factors, we need you the community to see the need and be willing to help promote this project. It will benefit every one of us by bringing a sense of community pride, multi-modal use of the main corridor, economic development from both businesses that will desire to be located in this high profile beautiful corridor and cyclist that will use the corridor for commuting as well as special events.

Approval of resolution to participate in this project (which Barrow County Board of Commissioners were to decide on Tuesday evening)

GDOT Approval

CSX approval

Concept plan

Budget

Landscaping

Restriping

Auburn Planning Director Larry Lucas is working on the concept drawing.