Athens-Clarke County devotes $15 million to make roads safer after a rise in fatal crashes

Athens-Clarke County leaders have dedicated $15 million to roadway safety projects after five fatal accidents this year, Mayor Kelly Girtz announced Tuesday, Sept. 23. The plans include a new pedestrian crossing near The Classic Center and a redesign of the intersection at Hawthorne and Oglethorpe avenues. 

The funding will target the county’s most dangerous roadways. Data from Athens-Clarke County Police Department shows repeated collisions at the intersection of Hawthorne and Oglethorpe, Girtz said at a news conference with students from the University of Georgia. 

By comparison, intersections such as North Milledge Avenue and West Broad Street are not considered to be a point of interest for upgrades.

Vision Zero, a plan that aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries data driven strategies. It will include major capital improvements at high-crash locations and systematic speed management solutions, according to Athens-Clarke County Unified Government. 

“We’ve founded a Vision Zero office, and we’ve charged that Vision Zero office, our transportation department, with coming up with a work plan to make sure that we have a toolbox for improvement so our streets are safe, our intersections are safe,” Mayor Kelly Girtz said.

The mayor also highlighted other public progress, noting that the Athens-Clarke County Police Department reached full staffing in 2024 for the first time in more than two decades. All 243 sworn officers positions are currently filled, and they have all gone through six months of post certification training. 

Athens-Clarke County has also seen declines in major crimes this year. Aggravated assaults are down 18%, robberies are down 21% and vehicle thefts have dropped 24%, according to Athens-Clarke County Police Department data.  This is due to an increased officer presence and community outreach programs. 

Girtz said there has also been a rise in driving under the influence arrest, which is partially due to more officers monitoring traffic and behavior on the roads. 

The county is also investing in youth development programs. In partnership with Athens Technical College and the Clarke County School District, the county is helping to prepare students for high-wage careers, particularly in the biotech industry. 

“We don’t operate in a bubble,” Girtz said. “I would say that the preventative efforts that have been a key part of what we do here in Athens need to be universal to every community in this state, and in this country.”

Real-time crime centers are playing a role in improving public safety. These centers use technology to monitor incidents as they happen, and give officers immediate access to information. This can help  officers be able to respond to emergencies faster. 

“That five points incident was a good illustration of the reality that, hey, a bad thing began, but we were able to nip that bad thing in the bud much more quickly than we would have been able to if we had not had the real-time crime center,” Girtz said.