Lawrenceville Considers Pedestrian Bridges as Downtown Growth Continues

The proposed bridges would connect downtown to a nearby park as the city prepares to annex nearly 20,000 new residents.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The city of Lawrenceville, Georgia is considering building one or two pedestrian bridges to connect its downtown area to Rhodes Jordan Park. The bridges would allow pedestrians to cross busy streets like Buford Drive and Scenic Highway safely above traffic. The plans come as Lawrenceville prepares to annex nearly 20,000 new residents, leading to continued growth and development in the downtown area.

Why it matters

The proposed pedestrian bridges are part of Lawrenceville's efforts to prioritize pedestrian safety and walkability as the city experiences rapid growth and development in its downtown. The bridges would serve as a welcome sign for visitors while also making it easier for residents to access the nearby park on foot.

The details

Lawrenceville is considering two potential pedestrian bridge locations - one crossing Buford Drive at its intersection with East Pike Street, and another crossing Scenic Highway at its intersection with East Crogan Street. City Manager Chuck Warbington said the Buford Drive crossing is the biggest safety concern for pedestrians currently. The bridges are currently unfunded, but the city council has directed staff to refine the designs before putting together a financial plan. If approved and funded, construction would be completed within five years.

  • Lawrenceville is preparing to annex nearly 20,000 new residents.
  • Patricia Brown opened her business, Masterpiece Mixers Paint and Party, on Crogan Street in 2017.

The players

Chuck Warbington

Lawrenceville City Manager, who said the proposed bridges would prioritize pedestrian safety while serving as a welcome sign for visitors.

Patricia Brown

Owner of Masterpiece Mixers Paint and Party on Crogan Street, who has watched the downtown transform since opening her business in 2017.

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What they’re saying

“Our downtown has really become a very popular, walkable community. This is continuing that extension.”

— Chuck Warbington, City Manager (wsbtv.com)

“I think the growth is really, really good. It is good for business, it's good for the city.”

— Patricia Brown, Business Owner (wsbtv.com)

What’s next

If approved and funded, construction on the pedestrian bridges would be completed within five years.

The takeaway

Lawrenceville's consideration of pedestrian bridges highlights the city's efforts to prioritize walkability and pedestrian safety as it experiences rapid growth and development in its downtown area. The bridges would serve as a welcome sign for visitors while also making it easier for residents to access nearby amenities on foot.