Reader Q&A: A reader asks, ‘What’s up with the no thru traffic signs on Ponce intersections?’
This story has been updated.
An Atlanta Loop reader, Stephanie, asks:
I’m curious about the “no thru traffic” signs that have been put up on streets that intersect Ponce de Leon Avenue. Oakdale Road is one, for example, but there are several others. They look official. Are they? All of the signs I’ve seen appear to be in City of Atlanta limits. Does anyone have authority to outlaw thru traffic on those streets? And if so, are those restrictions being enforced? Thanks!
A city spokesperson said:
The City is working in close collaboration with GDOT, the lead agency, and MARTA in responding to the Interstate 85 collapse. … The public should know the City’s priority is preserving access for our first responders and to hospitals
As motorists look for different routes to commute to work and school, the City is taking action to protect residential streets and neighborhoods which are not designed to accommodate heavy traffic. These measures include prohibiting non-local traffic in certain areas while Interstate 85 bridge reconstruction is underway.
The City of Atlanta has increased staffing for its traffic management operations. Engineers will make real-time adjustments to signals to keep increased traffic volume moving on major thoroughfares, which should alleviate the need to take smaller side streets.
The public should also notice increased presence from the Atlanta Police Department throughout the City during morning and evening commutes. APD will rigorously enforce “Don’t Block the Box” laws, will work to ensure emergency access for first responders and will also enforce the new restrictions on travel in residential areas.Governor Nathan Deal, Mayor Kasim Reed and GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry have all asked the public to adjust their behaviors and work together to keep our city moving while construction is underway. Likewise, the City asks our in-town residents to choose MARTA, tele-commute as much as possible, and when driving during peak times is necessary, use the major roads and thoroughfares designed to handle heavy traffic.”
Stephanie also provided this photo of the sign and noted that some of the language on the bottom of it has been taped over …
She said the language made mention of the I-85 bridge closure.
When asked for an explanation, the city spokesperson said:
The signs should read “No Thru Traffic.” Some signs were printed with erroneous text and the City worked to correct those signs as quickly as possible. The City installed the signs as a direct result of the bridge collapse, which has caused increased traffic on neighborhood and surface streets. The City will likely remove them once the bridge repair is complete and traffic patterns have returned to normal.
The I-85 bridge is expected to reopen on Monday.
