Kennesaw Mountain Park Road Safety Meeting

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park will hold a public meeting on Monday, January 22, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. to address critical safety issues on the mountain road involving mixed use by pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. The meeting will be held in the Visitor Center auditorium. The public meeting is the first step toward developing a management strategy to provide a safe experience for visitors traveling the mountain road.

The mountain road was constructed to provide vehicular access to the top of Kennesaw Mountain so park visitors can understand its key importance during the Atlanta campaign of the Civil War. The mountaintop provides a panoramic view of the region's important geographic features, revealing the strategy of Confederate and Union troop movements and battle lines during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. Access to the top of the mountain is considered critical to interpreting the park's significance.

In recent years the steep, narrow, winding road has received increasing use by pedestrians and bicyclists. The road was not designed for multi-modal use, presenting inherent dangers when pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles share the same road surface. The steep 12% grade, lack of road shoulders, and numerous blind curves compound the safety issues.

An engineering study prepared in 2003 by the Federal Highway Administration identified major safety concerns with the mixed usage of the Kennesaw Mountain Road. This was echoed in a 2004 analysis by Federal transportation planners who found it imperative that safe alternatives for pedestrians and bicycles be developed. Many mountain road users recognize these dangers, and have shared their concerns with the park.

The National Park Service invites mountain road users including pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists to attend the public meeting and assist with identifying solutions that the park will implement. Management solutions must continue to allow vehicular access to the top of the mountain and provide for visitor safety.

Representatives from Cobb County DOT and the University of Georgia will be present. UGA will be conducting a survey of mountain road users in 2007 to get additional public input.

Sincerely,
Daniel R. Brown
Superintendent
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
(770) 427-4686 ext. 223
email: daniel_r_brown@nps.gov

If you live in Cobb County or use the Kennesaw Mountain road, please write to Superintendent Brown with your comments.
Click here to read a very positive letter written to Superintendent Brown.

Need help with bike-related problems in your community?
Contact one of the BUGs (Bicycle User Groups) on our BUG page.