Augusta neighbors voice concerns over proposed roundabout

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – A proposal to build a new roundabout at the intersection of McDowell Street and Monte Sano Avenue is drawing concerns from neighbors who live and worship nearby. 

The project would sit between St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church and Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church.

On Wednesday evening, a packed meeting room heard updates from city officials and consultants as residents voiced their worries about how the project could affect the neighborhood. Many said pedestrian safety is their top concern.

John Scherer, who is a chairman at St. Mary on the Hill, said the intersection is heavily used by families, church members, and surrounding businesses.

“The biggest concern we have is pedestrian safety. There are so many people who traverse this intersection every day, not just us, but businesses here. It’s a neighborhood,” said Scherer.

Augusta’s District 3 Commissioner Catherine Smith-Rice says she has seen few accidents at the intersection and does not believe changes are needed.

“I want to see us going back to GDOT, the Georgia Department of Transportation and nixing this one, if the project takes a year longer,” she said.

“You just heard the residents tonight, they’re fine with that. They don’t want the roundabout and they don’t want it. I don’t want it.” 

Steve Cassell of Infrastructure Systems Management is working with the City of Augusta to explore a single-lane roundabout design for the intersection.

Director of Engineering Dr. Hameed Malik said construction could begin after the Masters Tournament in 2027 if the project moves forward.

“So right now we are planning to use all the money we have. Any money left will go back to the state. The money cannot be allocated to any other project,” Malik said.

The roundabout is expected to cost between $7 million and $7.5 million.