STOP

Stop the Decatur ROUNDABOUT

GDOT is proposing a multi-lane roundabout and high-speed slip lane at Scott Blvd / E Ponce de Leon / E Parkwood Rd. This project threatens our neighborhood's safety, environment, and character. Join us in demanding better.

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ABOUT THE PROJECT

Understanding what GDOT is proposing for our community

Location

GDOT is proposing a major redesign of the intersection at Scott Blvd / E Ponce de Leon / E Parkwood Rd, centered on a multi-lane roundabout and a high-speed slip lane.

The Problem

While framed as a traffic improvement, this proposal would fundamentally alter traffic patterns, safety, environmental resources, and the character of our neighborhood. Residents have raised serious concerns, with little response from officials.

Our Position

We are not opposed to smart traffic solutions. We are opposed to a plan that solves one problem by creating many others. We demand a solution that actually reflects community needs.

Scott Blvd / E Ponce de Leon / E Parkwood Rd

GDOT'S PROPOSED DESIGN

The official plan shows exactly how this project will cut off neighborhood access

GDOT Proposed Roundabout Design - Scott Blvd and Ponce de Leon Ave

West Parkwood: Dead End

West Parkwood Road will become a complete dead end at Ponce de Leon Ave. No through access. Residents will be forced to detour through smaller neighborhood streets.

East Parkwood: Right Turn Only

East Parkwood Road will be right turn only with no access to Scott Blvd. Direct connection to Scott Boulevard, used daily by hundreds of residents, will be eliminated.

High-Speed Slip Lane

A high-speed slip lane prioritizes vehicle throughput over pedestrian safety in a residential neighborhood with children, seniors, and cyclists.

Source: GDOT Public Information Open House Display, September 2023

WHY THIS PROJECT PUTS OUR NEIGHBORHOOD AT RISK

The combined impact on daily life, safety, environmental resources, and neighborhood character cannot be overstated

Significant Increase in Neighborhood Traffic

The roundabout will push large volumes of traffic off West Parkwood, East Parkwood, and Ponce de Leon onto smaller residential streets. This will increase congestion, lengthen commutes, and erode walkability. GDOT has not conducted sufficient traffic modeling to show how these impacts will be mitigated.

Loss of Direct Access to Scott Boulevard

Residents on the south side of Decatur will lose direct connection to Scott Boulevard. East and West Parkwood Roads will no longer allow for through traffic, forcing an additional half mile detour or pushing cars onto even smaller side streets.

Serious Safety Concerns

Higher traffic volumes will make intersections more dangerous for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The high-speed slip lane prioritizes vehicle throughput over safety. GDOT has acknowledged frequent accidents are likely, dismissing concerns by noting "they will be at lower speeds."

Environmental Damage to Parkwood Park

The project would turn West Parkwood into a dead end, requiring a large paved turnaround that would pave over Parkwood Park, impact a local stream and green space, and permanently reduce tree canopy and habitat. Project documentation fails to acknowledge these impacts.

Threat to Parkwood Historic District

GDOT plans to use eminent domain to take land from private homes in the Parkwood Historic District. The project will also destroy portions of the private Parkwood Park and cut down mature trees that have defined this neighborhood for generations. These irreversible losses cannot be justified.

GDOT's approach reflects a troubling lack of responsiveness, transparency, and respect for the people who live here.

DECATUR STREETS WILL BE LESS SAFE

Higher traffic volumes and altered traffic flows will make our neighborhood more dangerous

Children at Risk

Increased danger for children walking or playing near residential streets as cut-through traffic increases on roads never designed for high volumes.

Pedestrians & Cyclists

More difficult and unpredictable turning movements will make intersections more dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the neighborhood.

High-Speed Slip Lane

The proposed high-speed slip lane prioritizes vehicle throughput over pedestrian and vehicle safety. This is a dangerous design choice for a residential area.

GDOT's Own Admission

GDOT has acknowledged that frequent accidents are likely to occur in the roundabout, dismissing concerns by noting "they will be at lower speeds." This is not an acceptable safety standard for a family-oriented neighborhood.

PROJECT TIMELINE

This project has been in the works for years with minimal community input

2017
Preliminary Engineering Began
GDOT began preliminary engineering work on the roundabout project
August 22, 2024
Initial Community Meeting
First public meeting held to present the proposal to residents
September 5, 2024
Public Feedback Period Closed
Only two weeks for residents to review and respond to a project seven years in the making
Early 2026
Detailed Design Expected
GDOT expected to publish detailed design plans. This is our window to demand changes.
Late 2027 / 2028
Construction Begins
If approved, construction expected to begin
The detailed design phase is approaching. Now is the time to make our voices heard.

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW

We need visible, sustained pressure. Here's how to help stop the roundabout.

Display Your Opposition

Purchase and display a yard sign to show your neighbors where you stand.

Coming Soon

Contact Decision-Makers

Email or call GDOT officials, City of Decatur leaders, and your elected representatives.

Get Contacts

Spread the Word

Share this page with neighbors, neighborhood groups, and on social media.

View GDOT's Full Proposal

Review the complete project details and documentation from GDOT.

GDOT Project Page

Together, We Can Demand Better

We're not opposed to smart traffic solutions. We're opposed to a plan that solves one problem by creating many others. Join us in demanding a solution that prioritizes safety, environmental stewardship, and the people who live here.

Take Action Now