Axis was selected by Cherokee County to provide professional engineering and related services for the design of a pedestrian bridge and a link of the sidewalks on the north side of Towne Lake Parkway to the Noonday Creek Trail beginning at the intersection of Buckhead Crossing. The existing signalized intersection will be modified accordingly as a pedestrian crossing in accordance with ADA requirements.

This project provides connectivity to the existing Noonday Creek Trail, the Towne Lake Parkway area, and Woodstock Middle School, supporting the vision of creating alternate transportation options such as walking or biking in the area resulting in sustainable improvements and the preservation of the natural environment. With a team of subconsultants, Axis developed a database, performed topographical survey, performed traffic analysis, environmental screening, and geotechnical investigation, developed preliminary and final construction plans, evaluated ROW needs and acquisition documents, and performed a floodplain study in accordance with Cherokee County ordinances. The approach to this project focused on assembling the most qualified technical team with an anticipated 18–24-month design and construction schedule, in accordance with all applicable and prevailing codes.

The proposed sidewalk links make use of keystone style stone retaining walls that cradle an ADA compliant, sloped, winding ramp leading down from Towne Lake Parkway to the north terminus of the bridge and from the southern terminus down to the Noonday Creek Trail. This feature provides scenic views to users and provides a natural setting for leisure activities. The proposed bridge will be a sleek, 4-span, weathering steel tub girder bridge that provides a natural aesthetic fitting into the environment. The bridge will be 251’4” in total length; the bridge and paved ramp sidewalk links will have an inside clear width of 10-0”.