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Politics & Government

No New Crosswalks Planned for Austell Road

Deadly stretch of roadway where four-year-old was killed will remain unchanged.

The Georgia Department of Transportation will not install crosswalks where a Marietta child was killed by a van more than a year ago.

CBS-Atlanta TV is reporting GDOT spokesman Mark McKinnon said the agency evaluated the stretch of road after the death of A.J. Newman, 4, last year, but determined nothing could be done to improve safety for pedestrians who cross at the 1700 block of Austell Road.Β 

Newman was hit by a van and killed after darting into the street as he and his family crossed from a bus stop to their home in the Somerpoint Apartments. His mother, , was convicted of vehicular homicide because they were jaywalking. The nearest crosswalk is 3/10 of a mile away.

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McKinnon said funding issues prevent GDOT from installing lighted crosswalks, called Hawk signals, that are in use along areas like Buford Highway in Doraville. Steve Sadow, Nelson's new attorney, said something should be done to make arrangements for people to cross. Nelson has said she will attempt to clear her name by accepting the judge's offer of a new trial.

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