$10M project to improve safety on Pines Hills street approved
Pine Hills community members finally see major safety changes with their roads.
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Channel 9 previously reported on multiple fatal crashes this year, including the death of a 7-year-old on Pine Hills Road.
Dr. Judith Shealey owns Lion Judah Academy, a school for students as early as kindergarten. It’s been open for nearly two decades, and Shealey has lost count of the number of crashes.
“They drive like maniacs on this street,” Shealey said. “A younger boy got killed a while back.”
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That’s a fear Shealey has had for her students who need to cross the street for school.
Jae Fortune said he has brought those same concerns to local leaders.
“When you talk about the heartbeat of the community, [it’s] Silver Star, Pine Hills Road and Hiawassee,” Fortune said.
This month, Fortune and Shealey saw the cones and barricades put up as a sign their concerns were heard. The county started phase 2 of the Pine Hills Road pedestrian safety improvements.
the project costs more than $10 million and will include a raised median along Pine Hills Road, signaling, curb ramps and driveway upgrades. in addition, it will also include new sidewalks on both sides of the road.
“I’m hopeful that the quality of life will increase for the businesses, day cares and children,” Fortune said.
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