The traffic snarls for Fayette residents making their way to I-85 via Ga. Highway 92 will see some improvement in traffic congestion on Oakley Industrial Boulevard with the award of $1.5 million to add a third lane and turn lanes between Fayetteville Road and Ga. Highway 138.

The $1.5 million grant award to the South Fulton Community Improvement District (CID) by way of the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank was announced last week by Gov. Sonny Perdue.

“The project will upgrade 1.69 miles of the Oakley Industrial Boulevard, between Fayetteville Road and Jonesboro Road/SR 138, from two to three lanes and will add turning lanes and shoulders,” said South Fulton CID administrator Joddie Gray. “New sidewalks will give pedestrians access to local businesses and provide a safe place to wait for the local schoolbus.”

Many residents that use Hwy. 92 to access I-85 by way of Hwy. 138 know that Fayetteville Road, just inside the Fulton County line, is essentially a shortcut to Oakley Industrial, less than two miles from Hwy. 138 and I-85. It is that portion of Oakley that is to be widened.

Gray said the Oakley Industrial Boulevard Upgrade will have a substantial positive economic benefit for the state of Georgia, especially in the economically disadvantaged South Fulton region. It will greatly improve access to existing jobs, attract additional investment with new job creation, increase commercial and residential real estate values and expedite freight/cargo movement while reducing traffic congestion and improving safety.

South Fulton CID members include ING Clarion, CSX, Simmons Vedder, Nestle Purina Pet Care, Exel Inc., US Foodservice, Adesa, Knight Development, Owens Corning, Smucker’s, First Industrial Realty, Proctor & Gamble, and Clorox.