East Cobb residents can expect to see the start of the Columns Drive Improvement Project as early as tomorrow. The project, spearheaded by the Cobb Department of Transportation (DOT), aims to enhance road safety and beautify the area, a response to safety hazards posed by the existing trees. According to a Cobb County announcement, this initiative arose following several incidents with fallen trees and will involve the removal of 47 potentially dangerous trees from the median.
Residents, who've expressed their concern at neighborhood meetings, sparked off a dialogue that helped shape the project. This interaction led to a comprehensive plan that includes removal, stump clearing, and the pruning of many trees. As reported by the Cobb County news, Cobb DOT Director Drew Raessler confirmed, “We believe this solution will make Columns Drive safer and more attractive.” This collaboration illustrates the community's stake in local governance and infrastructure planning.
The scope of the project goes beyond tree management. Along with tree removals, the work will include planting 50 new trees, adding hundreds of rhododendron shrubs towards the park end of Columns Drive, and the introduction of mulch to the medians. This should not only improve safety but also contribute to the corridor’s aesthetic appeal.
Hand-in-hand with the area's natural beauty, Columns Drive is a well-trod path for cycling enthusiasts and visitors to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, highlighting the necessity of maintaining a balance between safety and scenery. The planting phase is expected to wrap up by early January, with maintenance operations running through the spring of 2026.
