Intersection improvement to ease traffic at new elementary school in Tucker
The intersection of Hugh Howell Road and Flintstone Drive will be improved to accommodate a new elementary school. Image obtained via Google Maps
Tucker, GA — The intersection at Hugh Howell Road and Flintstone Drive is getting a facelift in time to ease traffic flow around Tucker’s newest school building. When the school year begins on Aug. 2, the entrance of Smoke Rise Elementary will have a new traffic signal and turn lanes.
Smoke Rise Elementary is on track to hold up to 1,200 students, more than doubling the current capacity.
City engineer Ken Hildebrandt said the complex street project involves clearing, grading, curb and gutter construction, new sidewalks, paving, painting and the installation of a new traffic signal.
The cost of the project, awarded to contractor E.R. Snell, was approved at the City Council meeting on Jan. 27 for up to $900,000. The complex project involves working with local and state agencies, staff said. Construction will be funded by Georgia Department of Transportation for $500,000; DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran Johnson for $50,000; Branch Properties for $225,000; and Tucker Summit CID for $100,000. The remainder will come from the City’s capital projects account.
Branch Properties is building an upscale shopping center at the corner of Hugh Howell and Mountain Industrial Boulevard. When completed, Hugh Howell Village will be a 14-acre property anchored by Publix and 35,000 square feet of retail shops and restaurants.
In other City Council news:
According to the city’s charter, a special election must be held to fill the seat of Bill Rosenfeld, who passed away last week.
City Council districts may be redrawn after the 2020 U.S. Consensus data comes back. Auman said the city wants to avoid electing a councilmember before redistricting takes place.
“We are trying to figure out when we could do that on our own accord or in coordination with DeKalb County,” said Mayor Frank Auman.
After meeting in executive session for litigation, City Council adjourned without further votes or closing statements.
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