The Simon Minchen Park Intersection Improvements Project was initiated to evaluate safety, access, mobility, and community connectivity improvements at the intersection of W. Fuqua Street and Fuqua Gardens View Road. The existing intersection currently functions as an uncontrolled median break with no stop signs or traffic signal control. The existing configuration allows limited vehicle movements through the intersection and includes a slip lane along W. Fuqua Street that permits vehicles to quickly enter Fuqua Gardens View Road. Under existing conditions, the intersection lacks traffic calming measures, pedestrian crossing infrastructure, and clear geometric control.
These conditions create safety and mobility concerns for the surrounding community. Vehicles are observed traveling at high speeds through the uncontrolled intersection, and the existing layout provides limited protection for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers. The area is located near residential communities, Simon Minchen Park, a church, and a nearby school, making safe access especially important. Currently, there is no dedicated pedestrian crossing across W. Fuqua Street, which limits safe access between the residential areas south of W. Fuqua Street and the park and hike-and-bike trail located to the north. This condition creates a physical barrier between nearby residents and public recreational amenities.
The project presents an opportunity to improve the intersection from both a transportation and community-development perspective. Alternatives were developed to evaluate potential intersection improvements, including stop-controlled and signalized configurations. The alternatives improve roadway definition, introduce controlled intersection movements, provide safer pedestrian access across W. Fuqua Street, and allow for improved four-way mobility through the intersection. In addition to transportation improvements, the project also creates an opportunity to enhance the public realm through landscape, lighting, seating, and park-access improvements that support the broader vision for Simon Minchen Park and the surrounding area.
