Carlton Fletcher got a call last Thursday with some GREAT news regarding some projects along Robert B Lee Rd in Leesburg. Apparently, we’ve been given the go-ahead for some major improvements there, including installing a number of turn lanes, improving some intersections, and even re-aligning Old Stage Rd and Lovers Lane. The State will fund half of the project – $800K worth – and the County will fund the other $800K through SPLOST money.
This, combined with the Leesburg Overpass/Northern Bypass, should do wonders for alleviating traffic in downtown Leesburg. Not only will busses now have a way to cross the railroad tracks non-stop (via the Overpass), but now traffic that is using Robert B Lee to get to the High School will have a turn lane so that it does not stop traffic passing all the way through Robert B Lee to Lovers Lane. Also, with the re-alignment of the awkward and dangerous intersection at Lovers Lane/Old Stage Rd/ Hwy 32 (in addition to the turn lane planned there), traffic will flow more easily from Lovers Lane to Old Stage.
Now, the one thing that troubles me here is the “shopping center and new housing units” that are planned apparently to go between the Chevron and the post office. Unless Robert B Lee is four-laned at least through that area (and “widening” of Robert B Lee IS included in this project), I’m concerned about adding additional traffic to an already-stressed road. I know the turn lanes will help with the traffic delays, but there are still quite a few cars moving along that road, even if they are moving without delay.
But that brings up my final note: I’ll ask Lee County Planning Director Bob Alexander about it tonight. There is a public meeting from 5p-7p in the Kinchafoonee Conference Room on the second floor of the Tharpe Building to discuss the Leesburg Overpass/Northern Bypass, and I’ll be there. I may be a few minutes late, but I will definitely be there. For those readers who live in Lee County and want more information about the project or have questions about it, this is the perfect time to show up and ask any question you may have. I look forward to seeing you there!
