AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Years of construction lie ahead for downtown Augusta as the Broad Street Improvement Project continues, causing traffic delays and lane closures that are prompting some residents to avoid the area.
A portion of Broad Street will be fully closed for three weeks starting Monday, from Reynolds Street and 13th Street near the main bridge connecting Augusta to North Augusta to St. Sebastian Way.
The construction is affecting how often people visit downtown as the holiday season begins.
Vickie O’Farrell of Evans decided to head to Broad Street for coffee two weeks ago but changed her plans due to construction.
The Burke County Department of Family and Children Services held a drive-thru diaper giveaway to provide parents with essential baby supplies.
“The parking was difficult and the construction was terrible. So I just turned around and actually I came over to North Augusta,” O’Farrell said.
O’Farrell said she would avoid the area if there’s too much traffic or roadblocks.
“I was in Atlanta for many years, and that’s why I came here for less people and less traffic,” she said.
Despite current inconveniences, residents express excitement about the redeveloped downtown Augusta.
Louis Stevenson, an Augusta resident, acknowledged parking challenges but sees potential benefits.
“I always found parking downtown to be annoying. I mean, be it like those little sunk in parking areas or on the street,” Stevenson said. “I’m sure people don’t like them removing parking, but I think making it more walkable probably would be really nice, I think, and maybe better.”
The Burke County Department of Family and Children Services held a drive-thru diaper giveaway to provide parents with essential baby supplies.
Colen Lindell of North Augusta said he frequently visits Broad Street for dinner and encourages others to continue supporting downtown businesses.
“I go on Broad Street a lot for dinner. So I’m trying to do my part and I would encourage other people. I live in North Augusta, so if Broad Street’s successful, I think downtown North Augusta can be successful. There’s a lot of trade-off right there,” Lindell said.
The Augusta Traffic Engineering Division said the first portion of the project between 13th and 15th Street will reopen in the first few months of 2026 as the project continues moving down Broad Street.
The entire project is expected to finish near the end of 2028.
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