GDOT Installs Pedestrian Refuge Islands to Enhance Safety on Gray Highway

This week, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) installed five medianettes on Gray Highway between Second Street and Shurling Drive. These medianettes act as pedestrian refuge islands and are designed to separate the turning lanes on the highway, improving safety for pedestrians crossing the road.

Bidirectional turning lanes pose risks for drivers approaching from either direction, and the new installations aim to mitigate these dangers.

Macon-Bibb County Traffic Safety Manager Weston Stroud commented on the development, noting that GDOT’s efforts are part of a broader initiative to enhance safety on corridors within the High Injury Network. Stroud emphasized that the Traffic Engineering Department will continue to collaborate with GDOT to address safety concerns in East Macon and across the county as part of the Vision Zero initiative, which seeks to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries while promoting safe and equitable mobility.

The Pedestrian Safety Review Board (PSRB) also expressed support for the project. PSRB Chair Greg Brown highlighted the board’s enthusiasm for the collaborative effort between GDOT and Macon-Bibb County, emphasizing ongoing advocacy for pedestrian safety improvements countywide.

The installation of the medianettes is a direct outcome of the PSRB and Macon-Bibb County’s push to enhance pedestrian safety on Gray Highway. GDOT designed and funded the project, which was discussed and approved by Macon-Bibb County officials.