January 18, 2025

Augusta, GA Navigates Construction Challenges in Downtown

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News Summary

Amid ongoing beautification efforts near the 13th Street bridge in downtown Augusta, the city faces construction hurdles, including traffic disruptions and deteriorating crosswalks. Repair needs for brick sidewalks and pending issues have frustrated residents, prompting the city to adopt better repair techniques. Meanwhile, Greenville and West Columbia are experiencing their own construction projects aimed at enhancing road safety and connectivity, indicating a surge in urban development across the region.

Augusta, GA Faces Construction Hurdles Amid Downtown Beautification Efforts

As construction continues in downtown Augusta, the city is encountering several challenges that are raising concerns among residents and officials alike. The ongoing beautification project near the 13th Street bridge is causing traffic inconveniences as local crews work to enhance the area.

Recently, the brick-in-laid crosswalks that were completed now face a struggle for survival, necessitating immediate repairs. John Ussery, the assistant director of traffic, has reported that several crosswalks located on Telfair Street and the intersections of 13th and Greene Street have already undergone fixes. As the project transitions to Jones Street, there is a sense of optimism, with Ussery indicating that work is nearing completion.

However, the frustrations of residents such as Jesse Cheadle have come to light, particularly concerning the unexpected bumps found in newly laid roads. Back in October, the city installed brick sidewalks at the intersection of 13th Street and Jones Street, with hopes of completing the job within approximately two weeks. Sadly, reports now indicate that three months post-installation, repairs will need to commence anew due to unforeseen issues.

The city, taking heed of the manufacturer’s recommendations, has pledged to implement a more reliable technique in the repair process, which diverges from the previous methods utilized by the contractor.

The aftermath of a recent Category 1 hurricane has further complicated matters in the region, impacting various sectors, including agriculture. Residents like Cheadle express mounting urgency about the ongoing delays and their potential impacts on emergency services, such as ambulance access. In a silver lining, it should be noted that the city will bear no costs for the current repairs to the crosswalks.

Greenville, SC Enhances Road Safety with Exciting New Projects

Meanwhile, just a stone’s throw away, downtown Greenville has also entered a season of construction and improvement. Crews have been diligently working on multiple roads to enhance safety and connectivity for both bicycles and pedestrians. With an ambitious completion timeline set for August 14, overnight lane closures are currently scheduled from Sunday to Thursday to minimize daytime disruption.

This project, boasting a robust budget of $1.5 million, has been funded by a neighborhood infrastructure bond approved back in March 2022. As part of a more extensive $36 million bond initiative, the improvements aim at enhancing roads, parks, and sidewalks across various city areas.

Major Developments Along U.S. Highway 1 in West Columbia, SC

In West Columbia, a significant focus on safety is evident with the ongoing improvements along U.S. Highway 1. The project, which stretches over two miles from Jarvis Klapman Boulevard to Wren Road, includes vital additions such as new medians, crosswalks, signage, traffic lights, and pavement markings.

Initially starting in October, this initiative has been in the works since 2020, motivated by alarming safety issues identified by the Federal Highway Safety Improvement program. A troubling record of 302 documented crashes in 2014 along US-1 propelled local officials to advocate for necessary enhancements to promote safety. In addition to improving safety, the city is eager to contribute to the beautification efforts alongside the newly developed medians, with project completion anticipated by summer 2025.

Upcoming Improvements Set to Transform Greenville

Looking ahead, significant plans in Greenville are already underway for various intersections and streets. Improvements at the intersection of Augusta Street and Vardry Street are currently in the design phase, with the primary goal of resolving severe grade issues. Enhancements for pedestrian and traffic safety are also set for a 2.3-mile stretch of Augusta Street with construction expected to kick off in spring 2025.

Lane reductions along Pendleton Street, paired with the addition of protected bike lanes, are on the horizon. The realignment of Pendleton and Vardry streets aims to solidify safety measures throughout the area. Additionally, infrastructure upgrades will include resurfacing South Main Street, complete with new crosswalks.

Moreover, city engineering is presently reviewing safety assessments on Green Avenue and Dunbar Street, with plans for short-term adjustments to be completed by spring 2025. The Dunbar Connector project is already advancing with necessary property acquisitions, while infrastructure initiatives for Grove Road are currently underway. The replacement of the Queen Street bridge is in its early conceptual stages, with anticipated costs hovering around $5-6 million. Construction for a new Willard Street bridge is slated to commence in the first quarter of 2025, promising to enhance safety at the ongoing Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail Network.