The construction at the Toomer’s Corner intersection may not be the only road construction taking place in Auburn this summer.
Plans are in the works for Donahue Drive to be widened from Cary Drive to Bedell Avenue.
According to Brian Wood, project manager and civil engineer with the City of Auburn, the goal of the project is to widen Donahue to three lanes and to add turn lanes to Spencer Avenue and Cary Drive.
There will be sidewalks added as well. The widening was designed to address traffic and congestion issues in the area.
The project will be bid this summer.
Wood said that he hopes to be able to start the project in middle to late July.
There will be a 60-day time limit on the project so it should be done by September.
Since the construction will take place on the sides of the road, it should not cause traffic concerns, according to Jeff Ramsey, director of public works for the City of Auburn.
There is an agreement in place that construction will be halted during Auburn University events, so if construction were to continue through football season traffic should not be affected.
No detours will be needed for the project.
Ramsey said that this project will not be impacted by the construction at Toomer’s Corner.
“Eventually we want Donahue to be a three lane,” Wood said. "This will take place in phases. There will be one phase left once this portion is completed."
Wood is unsure of when the next phase will happen.
“The Donahue widening project will help improve traffic flow on a major road serving Auburn University and a growing area of town, and will also include new sidewalks for pedestrians," said David Dorton, director of public affairs for the City of Auburn. "We hope to take the project out to bid this summer. It’s one of a number of projects pending or underway that will improve both traffic flow and aesthetics for Auburn residents."
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