Feedback On Villa Rica Bypass Wanted

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — State officials want your opinion on a proposed new bypass that would impact local commuters.

The 1.92-mile Villa Rica bypass would run from the intersection of Ga. 101/Industrial Boulevard and Rockmart Road to Ga. 61/Dallas Highway. Current plans also include two roundabouts — at the intersections of Industrial Boulevard with Rockmart Road and the new highway with Dallas Highway.

A public-information open house to discuss the plans is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, July 20. It will be held at Powell Park, located at 524 Leslie Dr. in Villa Rica.

"We would like to hear the viewpoints and concerns of all area residents," says DeWayne Comer, district engineer at the Georgia DOT office in Cartersville. "The Georgia DOT strongly believes that since this project is intended to serve the people ... the ideas and preferences of these people are important and can make a difference in our planning process."

Attendees will be able to review plans for the bypass and offer questions and concerns.

The area around Villa Rica, which sits in both Douglas and Carroll counties, has been experiencing lots of growth and development. As a result, state officials say, there's an urgent need to improve access for commuters who use Interstate 20.

Currently, vehicles traveling southbound on Dallas Highway must go through the city of Villa Rica, making several 90-degree turns within a short distance and crossing a set of railroad tracks. It currently carries 13,000 vehicles a day, the DOT says, including a large number of tractor-trailers.

Analysts predict that traffic will increase to 21,000 vehicles a day by 2035.

The open house will be informal and the public is invited to arrive any time between 5-7 p.m. Written statements about the project will be accepted until Thursday August 3. They may be sent to Eric Duff, State Environmental Administrator, Georgia Department of Transportation, Office of Environmental Services, 16th Floor, One Georgia Center, 600 West Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30308.

Photo via Shutterstock