Rockdale Citizen

CONYERS - Conyers officials have started negotiations with representatives of CSX Railroad regarding transportation projects that will encroach on railroad right of way.The city hopes to make major improvements to intersections that cross the tracks as well as look at widening Railroad Street along the tracks from the Conyers Welcome Center to the West Avenue intersection."As we all know, when you deal with CSX it is a long and detailed procedure, and you can't do anything that involves their property without their expressed permission," said Councilman Vince Evans, who serves as chairman of the transportation committee. "You can't wait 'til the last minute, and the sooner you start the process, the better off you are."The road improvements are part of a long-term city plan to improve traffic conditions through projects funded by the city share of the special purpose local option sales tax.The Pine Log Road-Scott Street-Green Street-Main Street railroad crossing intersection - the malfunction junction of Conyers roadways - has long been a concern."Everyone knows how bad this intersection is, and while we don't know exactly what needs to be done, that does not mean we should not look for an answer," Evans said.Evans also noted that additional improvements to Scott Street were a high priority as the traffic load on that road is expected to increase drastically with the completion of the tunnel under Ga. Highway 138 that will connect Green Street with Olde Covington Highway."These projects are on our to-do list and it is important that we continue to make progress and move forward on these projects," Evans said. "These are things that cannot be done quickly, but you make long-term progress by taking small, deliberate steps."Ric Latarski can be reached at ric.latarski@rockdalecitizen.com.