Downtown Augusta construction causes headaches for many

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Several areas of downtown Augusta – including Fifth, Sixth, 13th, Broad and Greene streets, – are getting major facelifts.

These are multimillion dollar projects aimed at improving the downtown area.

But the work is causing major headaches for those who live, work, eat and drive in those areas.

Right now, it’s nearly impossible to avoid traffic and detours in downtown Augusta because of the projects.

It’s not just a hassle for you. It’s also threatening local businesses.

Some local businesses say they’re frustrated about the pressure construction is putting on their livelihoods.

“It’s like a ghost town. Who wants to be down here in all of this?” said Patricia Flournoy with Karisma Kontour Body Spa and Salon. “I understand that they trying to beautify Augusta. I get it. But how long is it gonna take?”

Gary Dennis, executive director for Jessye Norman School of the Arts, said: “We have two streets that are perpendicular to each other. Both of them have been shut down for different projects, but it makes navigation in the area almost impossible.”

Among the chief complaints from the public is how they’re notified of road closures.

There’s other work being done downtown, too, with emergency sewer and storm drain replacement starting Friday.

Officials say the work will take place on Eighth Street between Greene Street and Ellis Street.

Mobilization began Friday with work expected to be completed Wednesday, according to officials.

Eighth Street has been reduced to one-lane traffic but motorists can travel and should proceed with caution, Johnson says.

Additional repair and construction work is taking place on Ellis Street between Seventh and Eighth streets.

Some with Le Chat Noir fear the work might force the small community theater to relocate or close.

“City of Augusta, you’re gonna miss us when we’re gone,” one person posted on Facebook with pictures of the roadwork.

It’s an eye-sore for those who visit and live in Augusta.

“This street looks terrible. I’m a high-end stylist and this does not look like a high-end place to be,” said Flournoy.

Empty streets are not ideal for any business.

Tia Davis with Urban K9 said: “We’ve continuously moved the sign back so that it doesn’t interfere with their construction, but it also lets us be a business and still have that revenue coming in.”

Dennis said: “There’s been heavy equipment parked in front of that thrift store since we opened. So, we haven’t had a single regular day really since we opened.”

Augusta Traffic Engineering says the projects on 5th Street are about 75% complete, and 6th Street work should be done within the next couple of weeks.

They plan to start working on Broad Street starting at the beginning of next year. They’ll work from 15th Street all the way down to East Boundary.

While the work is meant to help the city, Dennis says, “A little bit better communication, a little bit better coordination would be appreciated.”

The construction is adding to the inconvenience are ongoing problems with the timing of traffic signals across Augusta.

The signals used to be coordinated with each other, moving traffic through the city in a more organized way.

But the power and internet outages from Hurricane Helene got the lights out of synch, and it could be Christmas before they’re normal again.

Right now, drivers are confronting long lines of traffic backed up at red lights, followed by long green lights on cross streets even when there’s no traffic to speak of. Once drivers are released from a red light, they’ll likely encounter another one at the next intersection.

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