The Columbia County Community and Emergency Services and Public Works and Engineering Services committees will meet today, Tuesday, May 28.
On the agenda for the PWES Committee is a traffic signal installation and associated equipment purchase for the intersection of Harlem Grovetown Road and Old Louisville Road. According to the agenda document, the county has received multiple complaints regarding the intersection. The current speed limit is 55 mph and a recently completed sight distance study showed that the intersection did not meet the minimum site distances for that speed.
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“An accident study for the intersection found there have been 22 accidents (mostly angle crashes) here from April 2022 to April 2024,” according to the agenda document. “Based on the lack of proper sight distance and the significant number of angled accidents at this location, the intersection has been determined to be a safety issue.”
Staff is recommending approval of the installation of the traffic signal for the intersection, including purchasing necessary signal equipment with a budget of $45,000.
The PWES Committee will also be discussing the installation of a mini-roundabout at the intersection of Riverwood Parkway and General Wood Parkway. According to the agenda document, the county has received many calls regarding the safety of the intersection.
“The County has completed several improvements recently to this intersection to include new crosswalk safety lighting, upgraded signage and pavement markings, and new sidewalks on or near the right-of-way. While these improvements have provided some safety improvements, they have not provided operational improvements,” according to the agenda document.
Staff is recommending approval of the installation of the mini-roundabout at a cost that is not to exceed $300,000.
The CES Committee will discuss a resolution to amend the fee schedule for the Columbia County Performing Arts Center. According to the agenda document, the proposed fee adjustments include:
• Increase rental rates for ticketed concerts to remain competitive in the market
• Increase rental rates for the Main Lobby
• Increase sound and lighting rental fee
• Remove maintenance fees
• Add rental rates and staffing rates for holiday rentals
Staff is recommending approval of the resolution.
The meetings will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the auditorium of the Evans Government Center Complex. To view the full agenda, visit columbiacountyga.gov.
Stephanie Hill is the managing editor and covers Columbia County government for The Augusta Press. Reach her at stephanie@theaugustapress.com.
