News Summary
John Ussery has officially resigned from his position as assistant director of Augusta’s Department of Traffic Engineering. His resignation takes effect on September 28, driven by a new job opportunity closer to family. Ussery’s departure comes at a critical time as the city undertakes extensive improvements to Broad Street, raising concerns among local business owners regarding potential disruptions during this construction period. The community hopes for timely updates and manageable construction phases that will support business operations and enhance downtown Augusta’s growth and appeal.
Augusta – John Ussery has officially resigned from his role as assistant director of Augusta’s Department of Traffic Engineering, a decision that takes effect on September 28, 2025. Ussery cited a new job opportunity closer to family as his reason for leaving, prompting him to confirm his resignation to local news on September 2, 2025. His departure occurs during a crucial phase of ongoing enhancements to Augusta’s downtown area, particularly with new paving initiatives on Broad Street.
The recent construction activity includes the closure of a section of Broad Street between 15th Street and St. Sebastian Way, which is set to last roughly one week. Following this period, another section between St. Sebastian Way and 13th Street will also be closed for continued roadwork as part of the larger Broad Street improvement project. This extensive project is expected to progress through 2028 and focuses on vital repairs such as road repaving and updates to curbs and medians.
Throughout his nearly decade-long tenure, Ussery became a recognizable figure within Augusta’s engineering landscape. He is best known for his pivotal role in the annual traffic planning for Augusta’s Masters Tournament, where he provided updates and strategies related to traffic flow during one of the city’s most significant events. Furthermore, he regularly addressed critical issues such as the ongoing concerns regarding the Olive Road bridge and served as a point of contact for the downtown Broad Street improvement initiative.
His resignation has stirred a mix of sentiments among local business owners and residents who are closely monitoring the effects of the ongoing construction. Business operators are particularly worried about how these improvements may impact their daily operations, especially with several prominent events on the horizon, including Arts in the Heart and the Ironman competition. There is a prevailing hope among these business owners that the construction process will be carried out in smaller, more manageable phases instead of prolonged closures that would disrupt foot traffic and customer access.
In light of the construction activities, several business owners have expressed feelings of being uninformed about the expected impacts, raising concerns about inconsistent communication regarding the timelines and nature of the work being performed. Such apprehensions underline the community’s desire for transparency and timely updates as the city progresses with its ambitious improvement plans.
As the community gears up for these developments, local residents and business leaders alike are optimistic that the completion of the Broad Street project will lead to revitalization and growth in the downtown area. There is a collective hope that upgrades to the infrastructure will yield long-term benefits and enhance Augusta’s appeal both for residents and visitors.
John Ussery’s resignation marks the end of an era for the Augusta Engineering Department, and while he leaves with well wishes for the city’s future, his departure may signal a transition as the city navigates these major renovations. The Augusta-Richmond County community is now looking forward to maintaining the momentum of improving its downtown area while ensuring that the process accounts for the needs and concerns of its vibrant business sector.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Augusta Businesses Brace for Impact from Broad Street Project
Augusta Leaders Approve Measures for Hurricane Recovery
Resignation of Augusta Traffic Engineering Director
Richmond County Schools Appoints New Superintendent Amid Budget Crisis
Augusta Leaders Discuss Downtown Construction Concerns
Boys & Girls Club Launches Aviation Academy for Youth
Augusta Launches Operation City Clean-Up Initiative
North Augusta City Council Approves Georgia Avenue Improvements
Additional Resources
- WJBF: Assistant Director of Augusta Traffic Engineering to Resign
- WRDW: Key Architect of Augusta’s Traffic Program Has Resigned
- WFXG: Augusta Assistant Traffic Engineering Director John Ussery Resigns
- WRDW: Augusta Leaders Solidify Rollback Millage Rate for Taxpayers
- WRDW: What to Know About Latest Broad Street Traffic Headache
- Wikipedia: Augusta, Georgia
- Google Search: Augusta Traffic Engineering
- Google Scholar: Traffic Engineering
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Management
- Google News: Augusta
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
