Second phase of streetscape underway

The city of Zebulon held a groundbreaking ceremony recently to mark the beginning of the second phase of the Downtown Streetscape Improvement Project. The goal of the project is to expand the first phase of the project – which was completed in 2007 – and extend sidewalks from the courthouse square outward, improving pedestrian safety, beautifying the downtown and addressing traffic and drainage problems on Adams Street. The project specifically involves parking, sidewalk, drainage, landscaping and lighting improvements along Concord Street from Highway 19 south to Adams Street; Adams Street from Concord Street to Jackson Street; Jackson Street from Adams Street to Highway 19 south; and the city parking lot behind the west side buildings.Adams Street will be widened and the ditch will be filled to improve safety while the intersection with Concord Street will be improved to make it easier for school buses to turn onto Concord Street. The city received funds from the Georgia Department of Transportation in 2009 and has faced numerous challenges in getting the project approved, including right-of-way acquisition, staff changes, changes in federal requirements and materials cost increases. ’The Zebulon City Council has remained dedicated to seeing the project completed, including using their own resources and expertise on occasions to get the project to final approval,’ said councilman Joe Walter.Bids were received April 2 and Georgia Development Partners of Atlanta was selected by the city to build the project at a price of $497,761.80. Harper Street and a small section of Thomaston Street were removed from the project list due to the increased cost of materials. Construction started the week of Aug. 17 and will extend through the end of the year. Travelers should be aware of the construction and avoid Adams Street if possible. The contractor and the city will work with local businesses to maintain access to doorways, parking areas and driveways in the project area. The city is also working with the board of education to shift bus traffic from Adams Street until improvements are complete. The board of commissioners have offered use of their property on Adams Street for contractor staging and storage.