MLK–West Lake roundabout plan would also build sidewalks toward Abernathy

The proposed roundabout at Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and West Lake Avenue would do more than reshape the intersection. A city–state agreement headed to Atlanta City Council would also fold in sidewalk installation along West Lake Avenue between MLK and Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard.⁠[1][2]

Resolution 26-R-4324 would cap Atlanta’s contribution at $1,065,385, paid from its 2022 TSPLOST capital project fund. That is the proposed city share—not a total price for Georgia DOT’s project.⁠[2][3]

The Transportation Committee recommended the resolution unanimously on October 28, with four members voting in favor and three absent. It is scheduled for the full council’s Monday, November 2, meeting at 1 p.m.; the committee recommendation is not final council approval.⁠[2][4]

GDOT’s design calls for a single-lane roundabout with bypass lanes on the southbound and eastbound approaches. The agency cites elevated crash severity as its safety rationale. For people walking, it proposes rectangular rapid-flashing beacons at crossings, upgraded sidewalks and pedestrian accommodations, and accessibility upgrades where required.⁠[1]

Construction is still a longer-range prospect. GDOT says concept work began in summer 2025, and its project schedule lists right-of-way work for spring 2028, construction bidding for fall 2029 and construction completion in 2031. Those are schedule targets, not guaranteed completion dates.⁠[1]

The agreement would set the agencies’ responsibilities for construction coordination, inspection, operation and maintenance. The resolution says it would not bind Atlanta until the city attorney approves its form, the mayor signs it, the municipal clerk attests it and it is delivered to GDOT. Monday’s proposed authorization is not a construction start.⁠[1][2]