Big Construction Project - Emerson 293 (Cartersville, Rockmart: movers, new home, maintenance)

[midngn]

What is going on down off 293 in Emerson? Just outside the city limits sign. They've torn down several homes and are clearing the land with huge earth movers. Is this the path for the new bypass or more development?

[Saintmarks]

I would like to know as well. I remember reading some years back that one major developer owned a ton of the land around Emerson and it would boom someday. Sorry, don't remember anymore details.

[gt6974a]

Part of it is a bypass (i.e. the new bridge), the hill you see being torn down 'was' supposed to be a n-hood.

[midngn]

It is starting to look like the new bypass and that's what others have told me it is. Between this, the train and the noise from 75 and 41, I never thought it would get any louder. (I'm new to the area so I'm learning this firsthand)

[Saintmarks]

Originally Posted by midngn

It is starting to look like the new bypass and that's what others have told me it is. Between this, the train and the noise from 75 and 41, I never thought it would get any louder. (I'm new to the area so I'm learning this firsthand)

As I am quite the map freak and usually keep up with road news like this and am currently in TX and not able to follow up with my beloved GA like I would like......... What is this bypass? What is being bypassed and where will this connect?

[johnatl]

Saintmarks - Just a guess, but I saw something on I-75 North coming into Cartersville that sounds like this?

[midngn]

Old Alabama Road
Plans are underway to widen Old Alabama Road in the southern part of the county, and to directly connect Old Alabama Road with Red Top Mountain Road just east of US 41. Once completed, this thoroughfare will be designated as (new) GA 113. This expanded highway will serve a growing population in southern Bartow County and will continue to serve as a southern bypass around downtown Cartersville for growing populations in western parts of Cartersville, the City of Euharlee and surrounding unincorporated areas.
The Old Alabama Road/ Red Top Mountain Road Connector also will serve as a northern bypass for the city of Emerson, re-routing commuter traffic away from downtown Emerson and directly to Red Top Mountain Road, US 41 and I-75. Right-of-way acquisition is currently being completed; construction of the bypass around Emerson is expected to begin in FY 2007 and will take 12-18 months to complete.

Bartow County’s 1997 Growth Management Plan

[garoadguy]

Information has been ridiculously sketchy on this project. Basically the state wants to turn Old Alabama Road into a new 113, so basically if completed the highway will hardly resemble its former self. It should be noted that the road was not even paved fully until 1979, replacing a winding dirt road that extended from Douthits Ferry Road to Emerson, and the road was never upgraded past the city limits. This means that the historic truss will likely be removed at Pumpkinvine Creek that was in use until then. I remember it well as a kid as a remote road with very rough tar and gravel that was a pretty jarring drive. Before 1979, paved access to the western part of the road was over frightening Douthits Bridge, which of course still (barely) exists.

The road project basically entails a connector from Old Alabama Road north of Emerson to I-75, effectively linking Old Alabama to Red Top Mountain Road. What this means in terms of retention of the substandard interchange of 293 & 41 and continued state maintenance of SR 293 is unknown. The project right now is temporarily designated SR 1000. Partial interchanges will be constructed at both SR 293 and US 41, and when completed this will create a seamless highway out to Taylorsville and Rockmart bypassing BOTH Cartersville and Emerson that will also include a new relocation of Old Alabama from SR 61 to SR 113 at Richland Creek. I'm not exactly cheerful about the total suburbanization of that area, but there's nothing that I could possibly do about it and it's too late for me to care.

Originally Posted by midngn

Old Alabama Road
Plans are underway to widen Old Alabama Road in the southern part of the county, and to directly connect Old Alabama Road with Red Top Mountain Road just east of US 41. Once completed, this thoroughfare will be designated as (new) GA 113. This expanded highway will serve a growing population in southern Bartow County and will continue to serve as a southern bypass around downtown Cartersville for growing populations in western parts of Cartersville, the City of Euharlee and surrounding unincorporated areas.
The Old Alabama Road/ Red Top Mountain Road Connector also will serve as a northern bypass for the city of Emerson, re-routing commuter traffic away from downtown Emerson and directly to Red Top Mountain Road, US 41 and I-75. Right-of-way acquisition is currently being completed; construction of the bypass around Emerson is expected to begin in FY 2007 and will take 12-18 months to complete.

Bartow County’s 1997 Growth Management Plan

[midngn]

Aren't there signs that designate this as a "bike route?" I may be wrong, but if not, would be interesting pedaling with all those trucks roaring by.

I bet those new homes they built in River Shoals will lose some value.