AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Downtown construction will speed up by more than a year, with the city aiming to finish the Broad Street remodel by the end of 2026.

With just two months until tournament week, uncertainty remains about how accessible Augusta will be.

Mixed reactions from business owners

As construction creeps down Broad Street, opinions are mixed with a busy spring season around the corner.

“The way it’s growing will be good for restaurants and bars and the new convention center,” said Greig McCully, owner of Fireside Grills. “I’m just not convinced that we can make it through that growth.”

Emma Claire Hansen, design and sales at Merry’s Home Furnishings, said she hopes more work will be completed before Masters Week.

“Masters Week itself, we’re hoping that a lot more is done so that people can enjoy the beauty of downtown Augusta, the restaurants and just visit our city and have a good impression of it,” Hansen said.

McCully said businesses were not properly notified about the construction timeline.

“When this became a reality, we found out because they were tearing the street out on the 14th block, not because we were notified,” McCully said. “I’ve been in this space for about 15 years. And I have not seen Augusta in love with its downtown.”

Construction timeline and progress

The contractor is currently targeting a completion date for the downtown section by the end of this calendar year, according to Lauren Hoffman with Paquin PR, which manages public relations for the city during the construction process.

While the city is working toward an accelerated schedule, there are currently utility conflicts and items that need to be resolved before a finalized timeline is released.

Median work between James Brown Boulevard and 13th Street is anticipated to be finished, and median parking will be fully open to the public before the 2026 Masters.

The contractor has mobilized additional crews to the site to maintain momentum and keep the project moving forward efficiently.

Following the Masters, the schedule will shift and the contractor is likely to begin work on the outside lane moving from 13th Street toward 9th Street, alongside median work between 8th and 5th streets.

The contractor is expected to finalize specific dates for this accelerated schedule within the next few days.

Parking relief coming

Two leased parking lots are expected to open Feb. 16 and will be free to use. Lot A is located at 116 James Brown Blvd. Lot B is at 865 Reynolds St.

Business outlook varies

Many businesses are seeing a clearer light at the end of the tunnel.

“I think it invites new businesses to come down, invest in downtown,” Hansen said. “You know, it’s not at its prettiest right here, right now, but it’s coming, and we look forward to the brighter days ahead,” Hansen said.

But for others, those days downtown are numbered. McCully said he has considered moving his business to Columbia County.

“We’d talked for years and thought for years about moving to Columbia County,” McCully said. “You get to know everybody around. It’s got an old town feel. I love all those things. They’re just not necessarily right for my business anymore.”

The city of Augusta released a Broad Street Improvement Project Q&A with the design team

What is the overall vision for the Broad Street Improvement Project?

We are creating a vibrant, world-class destination that celebrates Augusta’s soul. This isn’t just a road project; it is a catalyst designed to bring a fresh energy downtown where people will want to linger, explore, and fall in love with Broad Street all over again.

How will the James Brown Linear Park serve as the centerpiece of this transformation?

Imagine a park that breathes with music. We have designed a spectacular central plaza featuring interactive water and fog jets that “dance” in sync with James Brown’s greatest hits and color-changing lights.

In a beautiful tribute to the “man of the people,” the James Brown sculpture is returning on a stunning new stage. Following feedback from the Brown family, the stage includes a ramp to ensure the sculpture is accessible to everyone.

What specific design details highlight the musical theme of the park?

The artistry is everywhere. You will walk under shade structures featuring iconic album covers and “I Feel Good” sheet music that casts musical shadows on the ground. The very pavement beneath your feet tells a story, with “sound wave” patterns and an engraved timeline of 20 legendary hits. Even the benches are shaped like guitar picks, and the planters are modeled after Grammy Award bases, engraved with the awards won by James Brown.

How does the streetscape design improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians?

We are introducing state-of-the-art bicycle lanes. These are elevated 6” to be flush with the top adjacent pedestrian use areas and tucked safely behind the parking rows, meaning cyclists are protected from moving traffic. Additionally, by narrowing the lanes to a sleek 11 feet, we are naturally calming traffic, making the entire corridor feel much safer and more relaxed for families and pedestrians.

In what ways will the new layout benefit local business owners?

Businesses are getting a massive boost in usable space. We are opening up 13 to 20 feet of wide, beautiful sidewalk area, which is advantageous for restaurants wanting to expand their outdoor dining.

We are also planting a lush new tree canopy. This will create a cool, shaded oasis that makes shopping and dining on Broad Street a comfortable, all-day experience even in the heat of summer.

What upgrades are being made to lighting and safety?

The design includes both roadway lighting and dedicated pedestrian lighting. Tall roadway lights will be located in the median, while pedestrian-scale lights will be installed along the outside borders to illuminate the bicycle tracks and sidewalks. The lighting and trees are placed to create a consistent rhythm along the streetscape, improving visibility and aesthetics at night.

How will the new landscaping compare to the previous trees on Broad Street?

We have carefully selected urban tree species that are built to thrive, with the landscaping designed to provide a thick, cooling canopy that will grow more beautiful with every passing year.

The Broad Street Improvement Project is about more than just infrastructure, it’s about investing in the heart of Augusta. By combining the legendary legacy of James Brown with modern, safe, and accessible spaces, we are building a downtown that works for everyone. We look forward to seeing you downtown to experience this transformation firsthand. Thank you for being part of this journey as we build a better Broad Street together.

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