Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell McMurry joins State Senator Steve Gooch, State Representative Terry Rogers, White County Commission Chairman Travis Turner and others in Tuesday’s ribbon cutting for the Appalachian Parkway (Photo: Dean Dyer/wrwh.com)
(Cleveland) – An official Grand Opening and Road Naming Ceremony was held Tuesday afternoon for the State Route 11/US 129 North, Appalachian Parkway in Cleveland, previously known as the Cleveland Bypass.
State Senator Steve Gooch of Dahlonega, who was one of the driving forces for the new roadway, welcomed the crowd that gathered at the south end of the project. He said not only will we officially open the roadway but, “this is the last day you can use the word bypass, with the official naming of the roadway as the Appalachian Parkway.”
Most of the local officials speaking at the ceremony referred to the many years it has taken to get to this point, including former White County Commission Chairman Roger London. London was elected to office in 1996 and said building the bypass was one of his priorities while in office. “Immediately we began to make meetings at the State Capitol, we met with Georgia DOT, across the street had several interesting exchanges but here, now, almost 20 years to that date, I’m back and able to have a part in the grand opening of this nice highway.”
White County Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Bailey talked about the economic development impact of a project like this. “Anytime you build a new road you have growth and commerce and think that is evidenced by the fact that on the Cleveland Courthouse square three businesses right now are in the process of opening,” she said.
It was pointed out that the first phase of the project has cost around $17 million dollars with phase two that is currently under construction expected to cost $20 million, not counting the right of way and other investments. Still, Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurray told the crowd it’s worth the investment.
“Cutting the ribbon on this first section of the parkway makes a big difference for all the reasons that have already been articulated. We’ve seen it time and time again how a downtown will prosper because you have the right kind of traffic coming to your town not the wrong kind, and this gives the ability for the right kind of traffic to come into Cleveland,” said McMurray.
During the afternoon program, White County Commission Chairman Travis Turner, State Senator Steve Gooch and State Representative Terry Rogers unveiled the official Appalachian Parkway road sign and then the official ribbon cutting was held.
After the ceremony, those attending were able to join a special escort led by White County Sheriff Neal Walden and Cleveland Police Chief John Foster and be a part of history by riding on White County’s first four lane roadway.
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