Downtown Augusta construction accelerates as parking becomes scarce

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction in downtown Augusta is speeding up thanks to an accelerated timeline approved by commissioners.

With more of Broad Street torn up, parking is increasingly scarce. In less than a week, crews will start work on the inside lanes between 6th and 7th streets, temporarily removing the parking well.

Businesses say they remain in the dark about the project even with the accelerated timeline. They see more of the area becoming a construction site instead of a welcoming downtown.

Ongoing construction impacts businesses

Tonya Boswell, owner of Urban K-9, said construction has been constant.

“I don’t think there’s been a period where there wasn’t construction. We had the Fifth Street Bridge, then it was Fifth Street three times, and then now it’s in front of us,” Boswell said.

Sarah Bunjevac, owner of Halo Salon & Spa, has been downtown for two decades.

“I love the downtown community, and I’m very excited to continue to see it grow and evolve,” Bunjevac said.

But the day-to-day reality is harder to navigate for some.

“We’re hoping for a better Augusta. I mean, in the end, that’s what everybody’s hoping for. The process to get there, though, is kinda chaotic,” Boswell said.

Communication concerns

Bunjevac said business owners need better communication from city officials.

“I think as a local business owner and someone in the community downtown that wants to see it grow, wants to see it thrive, we’ve been down here for two decades, I really just need the support from the PR group, from the city, letting me know how to prepare for the changes and how to be productive during those changes,” Bunjevac said.

While the work continues on Broad Street, business owners say their job is keeping the doors open.

Project timeline

Leaders expect the project to finish by mid-December.

Work from 6th to 5th streets should start in three weeks, on June 26. In mid-July, crews will start on the outside lanes of 7th to 6th. That will happen at the same time as work on the inside lanes.

Parking is available at the Augusta Museum of History at Reynolds and 6th streets, but there are certain times that will be closed as well.

The Augusta Museum of History parking lot at 560 Reynolds Street will be open to the public throughout June, except during the following restricted dates and times:

• June 5, 2026 — 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• June 6, 2026 — 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
• June 10, 2026 — 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• June 11, 2026 — 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• June 20, 2026 — 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• June 25, 2026 — 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• June 26, 2026 — 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• June 27, 2026 — 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.