SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Drivers should take caution on Hwy. 21 North in downtown Sylacauga.
Traffic cones are in the southbound lane as the city of Sylacauga’s streetscape project begins today in front of the B.B. Comer Library.
City councilman Ashton Fowler told SylacaugaNews.com the project will start with the installment of new sidewalks and street lights in front of the library. The work will be done on Broadway Ave. from 3rd to 4th St.
“I’d ask that we drive with extra caution along Broadway Ave.,” Fowler said. “There will be workers present and we want to ensure their safety on one of our busiest streets in town.”
Nearly one year ago, the Sylacauga City Council authorized Engineering Design Technologies, Inc. (EDT, Inc.) to apply for Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) Grant funds in 2019 and 2020 to be used to continue the downtown streetscape project.
Changes would be made by making ADA improvements and renovations to the parking areas on the west side of Hwy. 21 between 2nd and 3rd St. and between 1st and 2nd St. through the 2019 TAP program. Future plans will include the parking area on the east side of Hwy. 21 between 1st and 2nd St. and improvements to Norton Ave. including pedestrian and bicycle enhancements along with pedestrian lighting enhancements through the 2020 TAP program.
The total cost for the project is around $800,000.
The grant funds will provide an 80% reimbursement of up to $640,000.00 with a local match estimated at $227,748.05 plus $67,748.05 for ineligible items including $59,723.55 preliminary engineering fees.