Workers enhance Broad Street as part of a major construction project.
A major construction project aimed at enhancing Broad Street’s infrastructure in Augusta will kick off next month, involving a $42 million investment. The project will create a large fountain, improved landscaping, and various amenities to honor James Brown. Local business owners are concerned about reduced parking and traffic disruptions, prompting discussions with city officials for potential solutions. The construction is expected to last about a year, with an emphasis on minimizing disruptions and improving communication during the project.
Augusta is about to see a significant transformation on its Broad Street, with a major construction project set to begin next month aimed at enhancing downtown infrastructure. The construction will take place between 8th and 9th Streets, directly across from Augusta Common, and is expected to conclude in about one year. This $42 million project involves several phases, with the first phase focusing on Milledge Road and 15th Street.
During the construction, only the inside lanes of Broad Street on both sides will be closed, alongside the complete closure of all parking spots in the area to facilitate the realignment of travel lanes. Overall, this development is projected to include a variety of features such as a large fountain, enhanced landscaping, shade structures, and a musical component celebrating the legacy of James Brown.
However, local business owners have expressed significant concerns regarding the potential impact of this major work on their operations. For instance, Michael Weldon, owner of Psychotronic Records, has raised alarms about the anticipated disruption to traffic and the reduction of available parking spaces from 750 to 480. Such changes could severely affect foot traffic and customer access to local businesses.
To address these concerns, an update meeting was held recently where business owners gathered to discuss the project and raise their issues. Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson indicated that converting some adjacent streets to one-way traffic might be a potential solution to create additional side parking. Streets like Ellis and Reynolds are currently under consideration for this conversion.
Business owners like Penelope Ballas-Stewart of Luigi’s are eager to identify effective ways to mitigate the loss of parking and manage the construction staging. There are also worries that the construction overlaps with ongoing projects on Green Street and Telfair, which could further strain local traffic and accessibility.
In response to the challenges posed by the construction, Mayor Johnson has emphasized his commitment to ensuring that projects are executed efficiently while minimizing disruption to the community. Part of the discussions during the meetings included the need for improved communication regarding the plans and ongoing construction updates. Business owners have particularly noted the importance of these communications in navigating the forthcoming changes.
Concerns regarding safety lighting on surrounding streets, such as Ellis and Reynolds, have also been highlighted. As the construction approaches, many local business owners are anxious about its timing and possible effects on operations. They hope that actionable solutions will emerge to help sustain their businesses in the downtown area despite the extensive work planned.
Additionally, the Augusta Commission has recently approved an extra $1 million to support ongoing downtown construction initiatives, showing the area’s commitment to infrastructural improvements. However, further approvals for funding and additional construction projects are still pending from the full Augusta commission.
There have been discussions about potentially assigning a night shift for construction workers to expedite the project, but this proposal has raised concerns about its effect on the nightlife and overall ambiance of the downtown area. Overall, while the construction on Broad Street promises to enhance the city’s infrastructure, it also brings with it a myriad of challenges that many in the local business community are keen to address moving forward.
Hooters Closes Two More Georgia Locations Amid Bankruptcy
Georgia’s Hooters Shutters Two Locations, Impacting Golf Fans
Augusta Launches Curbside Recycling Program
Significant Lane Closures in Augusta Due to Construction
Revitalization Efforts Transform Downtown Augusta
Transformation of Downtown Augusta Sparks Mixed Reactions
Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival Relocates
James Brown Statue Relocated to Augusta Museum
James Brown Statue to Relocate for Park Development
James Brown Statue to be Temporarily Relocated for Construction
News Summary A heat advisory has been issued for Georgia and South Carolina due to…
News Summary Starting Monday, downtown Augusta will experience lane closures and parking changes as construction…
News Summary A Heat Advisory is in effect for east central Georgia and central South…
News Summary Augusta, Georgia announced the discontinuation of its automatic recycling service effective November 1,…
News Summary In Augusta, a daughter has been arrested following a welfare check that revealed…
News Summary Developers have announced a multi-million dollar renovation of the Union Lofts apartments in…