Dear Editor:
As a longtime Chapel Springs resident who travels Old Phoenix Road multiple times daily, I am writing to express deep concern over a serious public safety issue at the new Texaco station that county officials have ignored for more than four months.
Despite repeated emails sent on Dec. 3, 2025, Feb. 4, 2026, and most recently April 17, I have received no response from County Manager Paul Van Haute, Planning & Development Director Lisa Jackson, or Public Works Director Anthony Frazier.
The problems are clear and dangerous:
• The road in front of the Texaco features an excessive cross-slope far steeper than the 2% standard recommended in Georgia DOT guidelines (referenced under O.C.G.A. Title 32, Chapter 4 and GDOT design policies);
• The roadway surface is uneven and poorly constructed, creating hazardous bumps and an unstable driving surface;
• Trucks bounce noticeably, trailers drift off the road, and vehicles can easily lose control — especially at posted speeds. With approximately 5,000 vehicles traveling this section of Old Phoenix Road daily, the risk of a serious crash into oncoming traffic is unacceptably high. I have urged officials not to issue an occupancy certificate until these defects are corrected. It is far wiser — and cheaper for taxpayers — to fix this now rather than risk injuries, fatalities, or future lawsuits.
Other citizens have also voiced concerns. I respectfully call on Putnam County leadership to inspect the site immediately, address the slope and pavement issues, and provide a public update.
Public safety should not require this level of persistence.
LD Busing Chapel Springs Resident