Navigating Downtown
Although downtown will be an active construction zone between September 2011 and December 2012, downtown will still be “Open for Business”. When necessary, measures will be utilized to direct motorists and pedestrians through those areas currently under construction. With that said, every effort will be made to minimize any inconvenience to visitors, patrons, and property owners. As outlined in the construction schedule, the project will be constructed in three (3) distinct phases. The first phase of the project will include completing the work in the vicinity of the Douglas Block. The second phase will include the work along Main Street from Hill Street/Western Avenue to Thomas Street, and the third phase will include the improvements along Main Street from Hill Street/Western Avenue to the Train Station.Regardless of which block of Main Street is under construction, access will be maintained to each of the businesses within downtown as much as possible. All weather accesses will be maintained during the project and construction fencing utilized to direct patrons through the construction areas. While every effort will be made to retain on-street parking to the extent possible, off-street parking will also be designated and signing provided to direct motorists to the available lots. Seven (7) public parking lots within or immediately adjacent to the project limits will be available for use during the project. In addition to designating these lots for overflow parking, directional signing will be provided to assist motorists in locating these lots.
Description
The Downtown Streetscape Project represents over a $6.5M investment in the future of Rocky Mount. While the first phase of the Downtown Streetscape Project impacts virtually all of the existing infrastructure downtown (above and below grade), the primary elements associated with the project include:Streetscape Enhancements
- Adds street trees between curb and sidewalk to enhance a feeling of safety create a unified green streetscape.
- Widens sidewalks to allow areas for walking, planting beds, and amenity areas for tables, benches, and other furniture.
- Utilizes light fixtures and street furniture that reflect Rocky Mount's history and promote artist participation.
- Incorporates planting along the railroad de-emphasize the brick retaining wall and to "celebrate" the trains.
- Enhances the railroad "walls" with art elements and rehabilitate portions in disrepair.
Traffic and Parking
- Converts Albemarle Avenue from one-way to two-way traffic between Tarboro Street and Goldleaf Street.
- Converts existing angle parking to parallel parking along Main Street to promote adequate pedestrian areas and improve safety for vehicles and pedestrians.
- Establishes additional off-street parking opposite the Douglas Block in the 100 block of East Thomas Street.
Wayfinding
- Creates a wayfinding system to direct visitors from the interstate into downtown Rocky Mount allowing visitors easier access to destinations and events.
- Simplifies wayfinding by designating specific visitor corridors relating to Rocky Mount’s historic development. Corridors include:
- Mill Corridor along Peachtree Street/Falls Road (textile heritage).
- Main Street Corridor (railroad heritage).
- Tobacco Town/Imperial Centre/Braswell Library (tobacco heritage).
- Douglas Block (African American heritage).
- Provides clear signage at key decision-making areas, such as one-way streets and Main Street.