Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Broad Street Improvement Project?
A: The Broad Street Improvement Project is a major streetscape and infrastructure upgrade of Broad Street (between 5th Street and 15th Street) in downtown Augusta. It includes redesigned street parking, raised bike lanes, new sidewalks and handicap ramps, landscaping and trees, and improvements to the James Brown Linear Park plaza area.

Q: Why is this project being done?
A: We’re making these improvements for several vital reasons centered on safety, accessibility, and the long-term growth of our city:

• First, we want Broad Street to be safer and easier to navigate on foot. That means better sidewalks, clearer crosswalks and more accessible ramps for everyone.
  
• A primary goal is to bring our street infrastructure up to current roadway standards. We are redesigning the corridor to improve traffic operations and safety for everyone who uses it.
  
• We’re also looking to improve overall flow downtown with smoother traffic patterns, better-integrated bike access and a more efficient parking setup.
  
• We are breathing new life into the heart of Augusta. By updating landscaping, adding greenery, and creating comfortable seating areas, we’re building an environment that encourages residents and visitors to walk, shop, dine, and stay a while.
  
• And finally, we’re upgrading the underlying infrastructure. Improved storm drainage, refreshed street surfaces and stronger curbs and gutters will help ensure long-term durability and resilience for the community.

Q: What improvements can residents, visitors and business owners expect once the project is complete?
A: A lot! Each improvement serves a meaningful purpose for downtown’s future:

• Better sidewalks, curb ramps and crosswalks. These upgrades will make Broad Street truly walkable and accessible for everyone, from families with strollers to visitors exploring local shops.
  
  A safer, easier-to-navigate street naturally brings more people downtown — which boosts foot traffic, supports local businesses and creates a more welcoming environment.
  
• Raised bike lanes for safer bicycle travel. Cyclists will have a dedicated, protected space that keeps them separated from vehicle traffic.
  
  Safer bike routes mean more people are likely to choose bikes for commuting or exploring, reducing congestion, increasing activity and making downtown feel more connected and vibrant.
  
• Redesigned and more efficient street parking. Updated configurations will make parking simpler and more intuitive while improving overall traffic flow.
  
  When parking is easy to understand and easy to find, people feel more comfortable coming downtown, especially first-time visitors.
  
• A greener streetscape. New landscaping, trees, seating and improved plazas, including upgrades to the James Brown Park area, will make downtown a welcoming place people want to visit.
  
  These enhancements create natural gathering spots and outdoor moments that invite people to linger, relax, socialize and enjoy the area. The James Brown Park enhancements, in particular, are expected to become a magnet for downtown activity as a place for meet-ups, small events, live music and everyday community life.
  
• A more lively, pedestrian-friendly public realm.

With easier movement, more shade, added seating and improved aesthetics, the entire corridor becomes more enjoyable.

A vibrant public space attracts events, boosts local commerce and builds pride in downtown Augusta’s identity.

Q: Can you tell us more about the features coming to James Brown Linear Park?
A: The James Brown Linear Park will introduce a series of vibrant, art-driven elements that celebrate the legacy of the Godfather of Soul. At the heart of the space, color-changing lights will run down the center of the park, creating an energetic, rhythmic glow that brings the walkway to life, especially at night. On both sides of the path, a clear resin canopy will showcase various James Brown album covers. The artwork will be printed beneath the resin so the images appear illuminated, almost like stained-glass panels overhead, highlighting the color and creativity of his discography.

The ground plane itself becomes part of the experience: custom pavers are arranged to form a sound-wave pattern that radiates outward from the center of the park. Within these bands, visitors will find a chronological timeline of James Brown’s music engraved in stone, creating a walkable history of his career. Together, these elements blend art, light, music, and storytelling, delivering a dynamic tribute that reflects James Brown’s unmistakable impact on Augusta and on music worldwide.

Q: What is the project area and timeframe?
A: The full scope of the improvement project spans Broad Street from Milledge Road to East Boundary.

Project construction is strategically divided into four phases. Currently, we are actively working on Phase 2 and Phase 4, which cover the area from 15th Street to the Gordon Highway overpass. This includes the ongoing transformation of the center median and the James Brown Park area.

The project’s current tentative completion schedule is targeted by the end of 2026. Please note that this timeline is weather permitting and subject to change should we encounter any unforeseen subsurface utility conflicts.

Q: How will this affect traffic, parking and access during construction?
A: Construction impacts include:

• In certain segments, only one-lane travel (11-feet wide) is maintained in both directions. We are communicating this information to stakeholders via the www.augustadtp.com website, email subscription notifications and social media.
  
• Some on-street parking will be removed or reconfigured during phases, especially in the median. The City is helping businesses communicate available parking options and distributing parking maps.
  
• Sidewalks remain open to pedestrians where possible, but caution is needed due to construction zones.

Q: How can I stay informed about construction updates and traffic changes?
A: You can subscribe for bi-weekly traffic updates on the project website https://augustadtp.com/ and follow City of Augusta on social media – Instagram @augustageorgiagovt / Facebook facebook.com/augustaga.gov

Q: How will the project benefit downtown Augusta’s economy and community?
A: By creating a more inviting, walkable, and accessible downtown corridor, the project aims to boost foot traffic, enhance the customer experience for businesses, attract more visitors, support local events, and increase property and commercial value. The improved public space and transportation options also enhance quality of life for residents.

Q: Will any historic elements of Broad Street or its surroundings be preserved or enhanced?
A: Yes. The City is sensitive to Broad Street’s history and has designed the project appropriately with the street’s character and importance in mind. Enhancements to the public spaces and median area are designed to complement the downtown historic urban fabric.