After many years of public input and more than a year of major infrastructure improvements, sidewalk construction, and road paving, the Old Albany Road Project is now complete, making a significant step in pedestrian safety along this busy corridor.
This project’s roots date back to March 2019, when Councilmember Terry Scott met with LaQuan Howard to discuss safety concerns and the lack of a sidewalk on Georgia Highway 3 / Old Albany Road. Councilmember Terry Scott encouraged Ms. Howard to bring those safety concerns to the Thomasville City Council. At the Council meeting, she highlighted the absence of sidewalks, which forced children and adults to walk in the roadway alongside fast‑moving vehicles and large trucks.
According to City Manager Chris White, the project symbolizes the importance of public input and the positive impact of statewide relationships. “The Georgia Highway 3 / Old Albany Road project highlights the importance of communication between citizens and local, state and federal governments,” said White. “Public input provided to City Council by Ms. Howard, the support of State Representative Darlene Taylor to help secure federal funding, and the belief and commitment of our current and past City Councilmembers all made this project a reality.”
Howard shared that her efforts before Council were always meant to assist the entire community. “I love my community, and I believe everyone should be safe,” said Howard. “I just wish my mom Beck could be here for this final product.”
White says this project will improve roadway safety and conditions, infrastructure, and connectivity. “This major project has not only provided opportunities to add sidewalks and improve traffic and connectivity but opportunities to upgrade our aging infrastructure.”
Old Albany Road Project improvements include:
- Infrastructure upgrades: stormwater improvements
- Roadway improvements: milling/resurfacing of entire project area
- Pedestrian safety & connectivity: new sidewalks; construction of new pedestrian bridge; and new pedestrian crosswalk near Hunters Chase Apartments with rapid flash beacon
Councilmember Scott’s engagement with Representative Taylor also played a pivotal role in securing federal funding for the project from the Federal Highway Administration through the Georgia Department of Transportation.
“Although this is a Georgia Department of Transportation project, we’re excited to have this federal investment in our community as it also aligns with our comprehensive plan,” said White. “It has added important infrastructure improvements while also increasing connectivity and economic opportunity by connecting non-drivers to jobs, education, services, and community amenities.”
“City leadership is incredibly appreciative of the relentless commitment and support by Councilmember Terry Scott as this project progressed from the public input stage to completion,” said White. “We extend our sincere appreciation to the City staff, contractors, and GDOT staff that worked together to deliver a project with long-term benefits for both residents and travelers.”
For more information about the Old Albany Road project, please contact Ricky Zambrano, Public Information Manager, by email at ricky.zambrano@thomasville.org.
