On-street parking along Sixth Street will be blocked off beginning Monday, July 8, as work begins on a sidewalk widening project designed to accommodate outdoor dining opportunities downtown. The project is expected to be complete by early August.
City crews will begin preparing the site Monday for a private contractor to widen the sidewalk on the west side of Sixth Street between Shelby and State streets. The new sidewalk will be about five feet wider than the current one to provide restaurants and cafes downtown with room for outdoor dining spaces.
In the interest of safety, parking along Sixth Street will be blocked off during construction. The road will remain open to traffic, but motorists are urged to exercise caution and be alert for moving heavy equipment. Traffic disruptions, including temporary road closures, may be required during the project. Accommodations will be made, however, to allow access to property within the construction zone.
When the project is complete, the travel lane on the south end of the street will be shifted to the opposite side and there will be fewer on-street parking spaces along Sixth Street. Structures also will be installed that will make it possible to close the street for pedestrian-only traffic during special events.
If you have questions or concerns during the construction period, please call City Engineer Jake Chandler at (423) 989-5585 or [email protected].
