In The News: Broad Street’s Latest Progress & What’s Next to Come

Progress continues on the Broad Street Improvement Project as crews work block by block to upgrade critical infrastructure and transform the downtown corridor.

Augusta Engineering Director Dr. Hameed Malik recently spoke with WRDW about the work happening beneath Broad Street, where crews are navigating aging water, sewer, power, gas and stormwater infrastructure, some dating back nearly 100 years.

While these underground conditions can require adjustments along the way, crews continue to move the project forward, with the Broad Street business corridor through 5th Street still on track for completion by the end of 2026.

Watch the latest update from WRDW and hear directly from Dr. Malik about the work underway and what’s ahead.

Downtown remains open for business, and we appreciate the continued patience and support of our businesses, residents and visitors as we build a stronger Broad Street for Augusta’s future.

Watch the full interview here.

Utilities Announcement: Temporary Water Service Interruption Scheduled for Broad Street Businesses on September 2

Augusta Utilities will temporarily interrupt water service to a portion of the north side of Broad Street between 9th Street and 11th Street on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to allow crews to complete necessary repairs.

Approximately 10 businesses along this section of Broad Street will be affected by the temporary service interruption. Augusta Utilities has notified impacted businesses directly and distributed door hangers in advance of the work.

Crews will work efficiently to complete the repairs and restore water service as quickly as possible. Updates will be provided if there are any significant changes to the anticipated schedule.

The City appreciates the patience and understanding of affected businesses and customers as this important maintenance work is completed.

Broad Street Improvement Project Updates Schedule While Maintaining 2026 Completion for Business Corridor

The City of Augusta Engineering Department and project contractors have released an updated construction schedule for the Broad Street Improvement Project as work continues to advance throughout downtown Augusta. With multiple construction zones now active simultaneously, crews are making steady progress on utility upgrades, streetscape enhancements and infrastructure improvements designed to create a safer, more accessible and vibrant corridor for residents, businesses and visitors.

As construction enters several new phases, project teams have refined the sequencing of work activities to maintain momentum and improve overall efficiency across the corridor. The updated timeline reflects current construction conditions and provides the most accurate schedule for work extending through project completion.

Project Schedule: The following schedule outlines the anticipated construction windows for each segment of Broad Street. These dates are subject to adjustment as crews respond to field conditions, weather, and ongoing coordination efforts, but remain focused on delivering long-term improvements with as little disruption as possible.

Segment                   Begin Date             End Date              
13th to 12th04/01/2609/14/26
12th to 11th05/20/2610/12/26
11th to 10th08/11/2610/26/26
10th to 9th08/14/2611/19/26
8th to 7th08/27/2610/12/26
9th to 8th (JBLP)08/20/2612/18/26
7th to 6th09/03/2610/21/26
6th to 5th09/10/2610/30/26
5th to Seg III12/16/2602/25/27

The City of Augusta appreciates the continued patience, flexibility, and support of downtown businesses, property owners, residents, and visitors as this transformational project moves forward. Once complete, the Broad Street Improvement Project will deliver enhanced mobility, improved infrastructure, expanded accessibility, and a more welcoming downtown experience for the entire community.

Traffic Advisory: Broad Street Improvement Project Construction Update

Beginning August 17, crews will begin the next phase of construction for the Broad Street Improvement Project between 11th Street and 10th Street on both sides of Broad Street.

What to Expect

To accommodate new sidewalk and curb alignment construction, outside parking spaces will be temporarily removed within the work zone. Inside parking will remain open and available for use.

Construction will be completed in two phases:

  • Phase 1: Active construction area, including the curb, gutter, and adjacent sidewalk section.
  • Phase 2: Sidewalk section along the building side, maintained for pedestrian access while Phase 1 construction is underway.

Construction activities will be limited to one phase at a time. Work will begin in Phase 1 while Phase 2 remains open to provide pedestrian access to businesses. Once Phase 1 construction is complete, the work zone will shift to Phase 2, and Phase 1 will reopen for pedestrian use.

This phased approach will allow pedestrians to continue accessing businesses throughout construction. Pedestrians may enter the sidewalk areas closest to storefronts only at designated intersection crosswalks.

A representative from the City of Augusta and E.R. Snell Contractors, Inc. will meet with individual business owners to coordinate the timing of concrete removal and replacement in front of their locations and help minimize disruptions.

Planned Construction Activities

  • Removal of existing curb, sidewalk, and asphalt
  • Water and sewer utility upgrades
  • Drainage system improvements
  • Landscaping installation
  • New sidewalks, lighting, and hardscape features

We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as these improvements enhance safety, accessibility, and the overall experience along Broad Street.

Photot provided by Causeway one.network

Augusta’s Saturday Market Offers Discounted Booth Space for Downtown Businesses Impacted by Broad Street Construction

Downtown businesses impacted by ongoing construction are eligible for special support through Augusta’s Saturday Market at the Riverwalk. To help local merchants maintain visibility and sales during construction, the Market is offering discounted vendor opportunities and promotional support throughout the fall season.

Support Details for Local Businesses

  • 50% Discount: Eligible businesses receive a 50% discount on booth space and equipment rentals.
  • Logistics Assistance: Market organizers will assist participating businesses with setup and operational logistics.
  • Marketing & Social Media: Participating businesses will be featured and highlighted across the Saturday Market’s social media channels.

Market Operating Schedule

  • Days & Hours: Every Saturday through the end of November, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: 8th Street & Reynolds Street at the Riverwalk.

How to Apply Interested business owners should email info@theaugustamarket.com and provide the following details:

  • Contact Name
  • Contact Phone Number
  • Business Name
  • Business Address

Traffic Advisory: Outside Phase Construction Begins Between 12th and 11th Streets for Broad Street Improvement Project

Beginning August 10, crews will begin the outside phase of construction on Broad Street between 12th Street and 11th Street, on the left side of the project corridor.

Parking Changes

  • Outside parking will be removed in this section to accommodate new sidewalk and curb alignment construction activities.
  • Inside parking will remain open for use throughout construction.

Pedestrian Access

Construction in this section will be divided into two phases to help maintain access for businesses and pedestrians:

  • Phase 1 — Construction activities
  • Phase 2 — Pedestrian access

This approach will allow pedestrians to maintain access to sidewalks in front of businesses while work is underway. Pedestrians will be able to enter Phase 2 areas closest to the buildings/businesses only at the intersection crosswalks.

A representative from the City of Augusta and the contractor will visit each business individually to coordinate the most appropriate time to remove and replace the concrete in front of each location.

Anticipated Construction Activities

  • Removal of existing curb, sidewalk, and asphalt
  • Upgrades to existing water and sewer utilities
  • Drainage system improvements
  • Landscaping installation
  • Sidewalk, lighting, and hardscape installations

The City of Augusta appreciates the public’s continued patience and cooperation as these improvements move forward.

Motorists, pedestrians, and business owners are encouraged to remain alert near active work zones and follow posted signage for safety.

Photo provided by Causeway one.network.

Traffic Advisory: 13th Street Closure and Ongoing Lane Closures for Broad Street Improvement Project

Beginning today, 13th Street between Broad Street and Jones Street will be closed for approximately two weeks to allow crews to install new stormwater piping as part of the Broad Street Improvement Project. This work is a critical component of the infrastructure improvements underway in downtown Augusta.

In addition to the 13th Street closure, the outside lanes on Broad Street between 13th Street and 15th Street will remain closed, while the inside lanes remain open to traffic in that section.

Construction also continues along Broad Street with the following lane closures in place:

Broad Street between 13th Street and 12th Street: Outside lanes closed.
Broad Street between 12th Street and 11th Street: Eastbound outside lane closed.
Broad Street between 11th Street and 6th Street: Inside lane closed.

Onsite detour signs will direct motorists safely around the closure. Because this corridor remains an active construction zone, drivers should expect changing traffic patterns, construction equipment and crews working throughout the area. Motorists are encouraged to reduce speed, follow posted signage and allow extra travel time.

The City appreciates the public’s patience as these improvements continue to modernize downtown Augusta’s infrastructure and create a safer, more accessible corridor.

Photos provided by Causeway one.network. Produced & Distributed by Paquin Public Relations for the City of Augusta Engineering Department.

Updated Construction Timeline for Broad Street

The City of Augusta Engineering Department and project contractors are sharing an updated construction schedule for the Broad Street Improvement Project. While work continues to move steadily forward across all downtown zones, recent subsurface findings have necessitated a minor tactical adjustment to our targeted timeline.

During recent excavation phases, crews encountered unforeseen aging pipe infrastructure that required immediate replacement before surface improvements could safely proceed. Addressing these utility vulnerabilities now ensures that the longevity of the Broad Street transformation is protected and avoids disruptive future maintenance. Despite this slight delay, overall progress is moving forward strongly, with additional manpower and coordinated shifts keeping the core streetscape delivery firmly on track.

Progress Spotlight: The James Brown Linear Park (JBLP) is officially taking shape! Passersby will note that new structural foundations and features celebrating the Godfather of Soul are actively being installed, bringing a vibrant cultural centerpiece to life in the heart of the corridor.

Project Schedule: The following schedule outlines the updated active construction windows through completion. We remain tightly structured around performance and performance-driven milestones to restore full, vibrant potential to Broad Street as quickly and efficiently as possible.

SegmentBegin DateEnd Date
13th to 12th04/01/2608/14/26
12th to 11th05/20/2609/03/26
11th to 10th07/07/2609/23/26
10th to 9th07/25/2611/19/26
8th to 7th08/27/2611/06/26
9th to 8th (JBLP)10/15/2612/15/26
7th to 6th08/11/2610/22/26
6th to 5th07/24/2610/05/26
5th to Seg III12/16/2602/25/27

What This Means for You

  • Continued Local Access: Sidewalk access to all local shops, hotels and restaurants remains completely open. Please continue to support Broad Street businesses during this transformation.
  • Traffic & Parking Management: While specific travel lanes or median parking areas may face temporary restrictions during their active segment windows, outside lanes will remain clear to maintain traffic flow.

We deeply appreciate the patience and cooperation shown by our local businesses, residents, and visitors as we safely build a more beautiful, pedestrian-friendly, and economically vibrant Broad Street.The City of Augusta Engineering Department and project contractors are sharing an updated construction schedule for the Broad Street Improvement Project. While work continues to move steadily forward across all downtown zones, recent subsurface findings have necessitated a minor tactical adjustment to our targeted timeline.

Traffic Advisory: Broad Street Construction Progress Continues Downtown

The Broad Street Improvement Project continues to advance through downtown Augusta, with ongoing work impacting traffic flow and pedestrian access in several areas this week.

Median Improvements Between 7th and 8th Streets

Crews are actively working in the center lanes of Broad Street between 7th Street and 8th Street as part of continued median construction and infrastructure enhancements.

  • The inside lanes are currently restricted in this section.
  • The outside lanes remain open in both directions to allow through traffic.

Motorists are encouraged to use caution and expect minor delays while work is underway.

Roadway Work Between 12th and 13th Streets

Construction activities related to the project’s outside phase are progressing between 12th Street and 13th Street.

Traffic Changes

  • The outside lanes are closed between 12th and 13th Streets.
  • The inside lanes remain open for vehicle traffic.

Sidewalk Now Open

The sidewalk along this block has reopened and all businesses are accessible.

The City of Augusta appreciates the public’s continued patience and cooperation as improvements move forward. Drivers and pedestrians are asked to remain alert near active work zones and follow posted signage for safety.

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