Dylan Lightfoot | Jefferson Post
The corner at South Jefferson Avenue and East Ashe Street was one of several made-over in West Jefferson’s streetscaping project last year. Two more South Jefferson intersections at First Street and State Street will be redesigned after the same pattern beginning in two to three weeks, with work scheduled for completion by June 1.
The Town of West Jefferson is gearing up for phase two of its downtown streetscaping project, said Town Manager Brantley Price Thursday.
In two to three weeks, contractor Vannoy Construction will begin work on two more intersections at South Jefferson Avenue and First Street, and South Jefferson Avenue and State Street, said Price.
Redesign of the intersections will be patterned after the streetscaping done at the other major downtown intersections last year. The First Street intersection will be a bit different, though, with permanent brick and concrete benches instead of movable metal ones, he said.
Price said the town planned for the work to be complete by the beginning of June. “Last year we worked through most of the month of June. This year we want it to be ready for the busy season,” he said.
Phase one of the project involved replacement of downtown traffic signals with four-way stop signs and the installation of more pedestrian-friendly corners and crosswalks. Initially, the makeover met with with mixed reviews, Price said.
“I think people have adjusted to it,” he said. “It makes downtown much more walkable.”
With several new and relocated business opening downtown this season, Price said Jefferson Avenue’s new walkability and “good, relaxed atmosphere” will be appreciated by tourists and business owners alike.
Post a Comment
