The Oxbo Road Extension project in Roswell, Georgia, has been a topic of debate and discussion for over a decade. The project, initially estimated to cost $7 million, has seen its budget more than double to $18.4 million. This extension is designed to tackle numerous safety and mobility issues by removing the staggered intersection at Ga. 9 and turning the portion of Oxbo Road near Mimosa Boulevard into a two-way street. The completion date of the project is currently projected for December 24, 20231.
Why is this Oxbo Road Extension important to short-term rental hosts in Roswell? Many of the wedding venues are on the south side of downtown Roswell and without this extension the area south of Canton St is not viewed as accessible as properties immediately in the Canton St area.
The Oxbo Road project encountered numerous challenges along its path. One significant obstacle was related to land acquisition. The City of Roswell had to resort to using eminent domain to acquire 1,368 square feet of property at 50 Maple Street for fee simple right of way and another 2,947.41 square feet for a temporary easement for construction. This use of eminent domain was a marked departure from the city's usual practices, as it had not been used or even considered since 2008. This decision sparked controversy, but city officials argued it was necessary to prevent further delays and cost overruns1.
One of the key reasons for the project's delay and cost escalation was the city's "longstanding inability to use eminent domain," as per an independent investigation conducted by the law firm Jarrard & Davis. The lack of this tool led to delays and multi-million-dollar cash settlements, causing the project's cost to balloon significantly1.
In addition to the realignment project, the Roswell Transportation Advisory Commission has also been considering traffic calming measures for Oxbo Road. The proposed measures were the result of a month of research and discussion by the commission. Two members, Perry Dragon and George Vail, presented updated calming measures, including a proposed mini roundabout, "pinch" islands to narrow the road, and three new crosswalks to connect city trails and parks. These proposals were made in anticipation of increased traffic following the completion of the road extension2.
The commission's approach was not without its critics. Some advocated for a more comprehensive solution, including the addition of bike paths, arguing that the piecemeal approach had previously landed the city in trouble. However, the commission ultimately voted to advance the traffic calming measures to the City Council for consideration, emphasizing the need to address the "short term" issues of the present day2.
The City of Roswell is currently stating the project will be done between July and December 2023.