Prince Avenue 3-Lane Pilot Project Installation Update 

The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) installed a pilot project beginning in mid-September to change the locally-controlled area of Prince Avenue from a four-lane vehicle road with two vehicle lanes in each direction to a three-lane vehicle road with one vehicle lane in each direction, a center turning lane, two separated bike lanes, and other safety features. The pilot project runs for approximately a half mile from just east of North Milledge Avenue to Pulaski Street. 

An interactive map provides maps of the corridor; details and photos of the new features; before-and-after comparisons of sections of the roadway; project history; and other corridor information.

The 60-day study period ended on November 23, 2022, and the Mayor and Commission voted to make it permanent at the December 13, 2022 Special-called Session. They also approved additional expenditures for additional short-term improvements:

•    Relocating the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) to the new mid-block crossing near The Bottleworks ($10,000 budget); 

•    Removing transit stop improvements at intersection of Prince & Pulaski ($5,000 budget); 

•    Add raised pavement markers along the route ($5,000 budget)

•    Revise bicycle box on eastbound Prince at Pulaski ($5,000 budget).

•    Repair and enhance the Zicla Zipper system to add the B modules into a BAB configuration  and epoxy into the asphalt ($150,000 budget).

•    Project Contingency ($25,000 budget)

•    Total estimated budget to install short-term improvements is $200,000.  

The Mayor & Commission also authorized staff to enter into the Preliminary Plan Phase for project development process to further investigate and mature the peripheral improvement elements to address long-term safety and operational improvements of this section of Prince Avenue - such as: curb cuts (closing drives/entrances to private/adjoining parcels); different buffer materials; incorporating additional stormwater features for conveyance/treatment; ADA and crosswalk improvements; and intersection Improvements.