ADDITIONAL BROAD STREET BRICKS TO BE UNCOVERED

The City of Thomasville will begin work Tuesday, June 28 to uncover additional historic brick pavers located on Broad Street between Remington Avenue and Smith Avenue. As a result, this section of Broad Street will be closed to all vehicle traffic; however, the sidewalks on both sides of the road will still be open to pedestrians. The first phase of construction is expected to be completed by Friday, July 1.

“Our Downtown thrives on the wonderful selection of local fare as well as the historic charm that’s seen throughout the 19-block downtown commercial district,” said Executive Director of Main Street & Tourism Karen Smith. “Being able to extend the brick pavers to Smith Avenue will enhance our existing efforts to create a sense of continuity between the entire downtown area, as well as enhance the character that makes Thomasville so special.”

This project will bring both functional and aesthetic improvements to the downtown area. These improvements include exposing an additional block of historic brick pavers, restriping parking spaces, enhancing and repairing curbs and sidewalk access, and performing spot repairs to existing brick roadways.

“Improving our downtown by uncovering these historic pavers was identified as a priority within our Five Year Strategic Plan,” Assistant City Engineer Wayne Newsome said. “This project brings cohesiveness as you travel from one section of our downtown to another.”

The project is funded by 2012 SPLOST dollars and is also supplemented by funds from a Local Maintenance Improvement Grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation.

“This project will enhance the character of downtown by extending the historic theme that currently exists to yet another block of Broad Street,” Newsome said. “Additionally, ADA accessibility is being improved by adding mid-block handicap parking and ramps on both sides of Broad Street between Remington and Smith Avenues.”

Removal of the asphalt and curb and gutter improvements in this section will be performed to maintain local traffic with as few disturbances as possible.

On Remington Avenue, the new sidewalk and angled parking will provide much-needed additional parking for the downtown area, and also provide a sidewalk section in this block that is consistent with sidewalks in the downtown shopping area. The phase of the project affecting curbs and sidewalks is scheduled to take place after CNS’ Annual Fireworks and Festivities celebration on July 4th.