CRA approves $1.5M for North Adams Street pedestrian and intersection improvements

The Community Redevelopment Agency approved $1.5 million for the North Adams Street pedestrian improvement project, which will rebuild intersections and add curb extensions, upgraded accessible ramps and pendant-style street lighting across a three‑tenths‑of‑a‑mile corridor from West Tennessee Street to Brevard Avenue.

Project scope: City engineers described targeted intersection improvements — curb bump‑outs to shorten crossings, redefinition of parallel parking bays, accessible ramp upgrades and new pendant‑style street lamps that match downtown streetscape standards. The project will reduce impervious area by removing some roadway asphalt for curb extensions and create a safer, slower vehicle environment.

Timing and cost rationale: The CRA approval aligns construction to take advantage of an already‑scheduled city resurfacing of Adams in 2029; staff said delivering the pedestrian improvements ahead of resurfacing will reduce total work and cost. The project budget request was $1.5 million, including $1.35 million for construction, $100,000 for design and $50,000 for construction engineering and inspection.

Board comments and support: Board members broadly supported the pedestrianization approach, noting proximity to the capitol complex and downtown amenities. Several members asked staff to coordinate on traffic lane configuration (existing four‑lane width to be reduced) and to stage construction to avoid legislative session peak pedestrian impacts.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with design in spring 2026 and aim to bid in 2027 so construction can be completed prior to the 2029 resurfacing; the DIA and other downtown partners requested coordination on adjacent public‑space programming and redevelopment plans for nearby properties.