Jefferson Avenue is expecting road renovations from spring to summer between St. Louis and Walnut streets starting on March 13.
In a bill that received approval last December, $1.7 million in sales taxes revenue will help fund the project through the ¼-cent Capital Improvement and ⅛-cent Transportation sales taxes. Dubbed the Jefferson Avenue Streetscape project, it plans to extend Jefferson avenue with upgraded ramps and sidewalks that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In addition to these upgrades, stormwater infrastructure, lighting and roadway improvements are planned. At the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and St. Louis Street, a new traffic signal with pedestrian facilities will be installed. At the McDaniel and Walnut intersections, signal modifications to traffic lights and upgrades will be constructed. Jubilee Park is also expected to receive upgrades to electrical facilities to assist in future downtown events.
In a press release issued by the City, Public Works project manager Angela Nelson mentions how gas utility lines will have to be relocated before the project can begin. “The construction underway in the project area now is a contractor for City Utilities working to renew water and relocate gas utility lines ahead of the streetscape project,” said Nelson.
The other contractor involved in renovating the streets is KCI. Between both contractors, Nelson mentioned in the press release they plan to coordinate their projects in an attempt to streamline the flow of traffic.
“Their contractor will continue to work between McDaniel and Walnut streets, hopefully finishing up within the next month while the City’s contractor, KCI, begins construction on the streetscaping between St. Louis and McDaniel,” said Nelson.
There are two phases overall in the project. Phase one starts on March 13, beginning along the east side of Jefferson Avenue. Left turns off of Jefferson Avenue will not be permitted between both St. Louis and Walnut streets. East and westbound traffic crossing Jefferson avenue is not allowed through both intersections.
Traffic signals at McDaniel and Walnut will be turned off and temporary stop signs will be posted to allow right turns on and off Jefferson. Detours to guide traffic around the work site will be posted on Cherry Street and Kimbrough Avenue.
In phase two, right turns off Jefferson will not be allowed between St. Louis and Walnut streets. All east and westbound traffic crossing Jefferson avenue will not be permitted through each of these intersections. On Grand Street and Campbell Avenue, detours will be posted to guide traffic around the work zone.
At the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and St. Louis Street, Nelson mentioned in the press release the demand for a traffic light at this location is considerable.
“This signal will provide a controlled crossing and increased accessibility and safety for both pedestrians and vehicles attempting to cross Jefferson,” said Nelson.
Motorists can expect one lane of traffic to be maintained along Jefferson avenue through the 90-day project duration. For additional information about the project, visit the City's website.
