MACON, Ga. — The Georgia Department of Transportation has installed what is hoped to be a solution for Gray Highway, which has earned a reputation as one of Macon-Bibb's deadliest roads.
Gray Highway now has five separate concrete medianettes along the strip, which locals say became an adjustment for drivers and pedestrians this week.
Construction crews packed up traffic cones Thursday night after putting down four concrete medianettes.
The $175,000 project closed down some lanes this week, but 13WMAZ spoke with nearby businesses who shared some mixed reactions with the new additions.
One of the new medianettes is installed directly in front of Prudent Tire and Auto Care.
Christopher Holloway, who's been a Prudent tire technician for two years, says he has repaired cars that have gotten into wrecks along Gray Highway.
"My opinion? A lot of traffic thus far," Holloway said. "I can't wait to see when they finish how things are gonna turn out. But as of now, it causes a lot of traffic. Hopefully, more customers are willing to stop by and give us a try."
13WMAZ spoke with other businesses who say they have lost regular customers from accidents on the road.
While some locals say the medianettes could help pedestrian safety, others believe change in traffic patterns is an adjustment for their customer base.
Holloway says their customers are adjusting to the changes.
"For customers to be able to reach us, they'll maybe have to go to the light, make a couple turns just to come to us ... when in the past they could just easily make a little left turn, come right in here," Holloway said.
Holloway also says he and his coworkers have seen a problem with speeding along the road, which has a limit of 40 miles per hour.
He says he's hopeful that the medianettes provide safer options for pedestrians who travel along and on the road.
"There's a lot of foot traffic in this area too, so at the same time hopefully it'll stop a lot of accidents that may happen in this area," Holloway said.
13WMAZ spoke with construction crew members who say they are set to install roadway signs and yellow deflectors.
Construction will be complete on Friday by 3PM.