07-04-2025
Traffic rerouting planned for downtown Watkinsville to move utility pole in sidewalk
There's a tall problem with a sidewalk in downtown Watkinsville – a utility pole sits smack dab in the middle.
It was placed there more than 40 years ago for some reason, but now the city has decided to remove the pole to make walking the route more safe for pedestrians.
The city noted in a news release that those who are handicapped or parents with strollers have difficulties negotiating the pole.
But the work means that downtown traffic will be affected as a section of Main Street from School Street to Harden Hill Road will be closed at various times on Tuesday, April 8, and the following Friday.
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The city reported that Georgia Power Co. and other utilities have agreed to do the work during a week that the Oconee County School District is observing spring break. This might help mitigate the traffic congestion, which is heavy in the downtown during the morning and evening rush hours.
On Tuesday, the street will be closed from about 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The work includes the installation of two new utility poles, with the old pole being removed on Friday for an estimated three- to four-hour period. During these days, Watkinsville police will manage traffic.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Expect traffic delays when traffic rerouted in Watkinsville on April 8
