Phase 1 of Augusta Street safety improvements underway

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Road crews have wrapped up their first night of work on Augusta Street, transitioning the four-lane road down to three lanes.

Over the course of the next week, crews will restripe Augusta Street between Augusta Place and Crystal Avenue to complete the “road diet.” The finished product will be three lanes, with one lane of traffic going in each direction and a center turn lane.

“The overall goal is to slow down traffic. The community has been asking for that for a long time,” said Greenville City Council Member Dorothy Dowe.

Officials say this will make left-hand turns safer for drivers. Now, they won’t be blocking traffic.

The “road diet” was the most popular solutions among more than 100 neighbors who the city surveyed last year. According to the city, almost half picked it.

“It looks like, from what I’ve seen today, this road diet may be a help,” said Jay Kurt Schumacher, who lives off Augusta Street.

“It’s kind of harry driving up and down it but I think the new lane changes and what they did, I was surprised. I wasn’t sure if it was going to work but driving today and running now, I think it slows people down,” added Victoria Fleischer, who also lives off Augusta Street.

Safety on Augusta Street has been a topic of debate since last Memorial Day Weekend, when a woman and her dog were hit and killed will running on the sidewalk. Since then, neighbors have called for change.

The city says this is just Phase 1 of the project. Phase 2, which is still under consideration, is expected to begin next year and include improvements like landscaping, utility undergrounding, signal upgrades and multi-use paths.

“Road diet” work is expected to take a week. The city is asking for feedback on the project once it is complete. You can submit your thoughts here.

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