Construction Zone: What’s going on around town?
Here’s a look at some of the exciting projects that are underway and to come!
Moores Mill Sidewalk Project
Work is underway to install sidewalk on Moores Mill Road, connecting existing sidewalk from East Samford Avenue to the west side of East University Drive. Heads up: travelers in that area can expect some rolling lane closures during construction.The new sidewalk is expected to be ready for runners, walkers and strollers this fall!
Annalue Drive Sidewalk Project
New sidewalk is also being built on the north side of Annalue Drive from Dean Road to East University Drive. Work began in May near Dean Road and is moving east toward East University Drive. The project is expected to wrap up in September and will include a new pedestrian signal at East University Drive.
Renew Opelika Road: Phase 4
Phase 4 of the Renew Opelika Road Plan will begin late this fall, bringing improvements to Opelika Road from Gentry Drive to Saugahatchee Road. Plans include a sixfoot sidewalk on the north side of Opelika Road, a crosswalk at Saugahatchee Road, buffered bike lanes, pedestrian lights and landscaped medians with street lighting. Safety enhancements will include offset turn lanes and medians to reduce left turns out of businesses. Bulb-outs will be constructed in the road (as shown in the graphic)
to make U-turns easier and safer, allowing better access to businesses for traffic safer, allowing better access to businesses for traffic traveling in both directions.
Wright Street Streetscape Project
Work is underway to improve the streetscape and traffic flow along Wright Street
in downtown Auburn. Enhancements include new and improved sidewalk, storm and
sanitary sewer extensions and the installation of decorative pedestrian lighting. All ofthis will make the area safer and more attractive
as the street becomes a two-way road and as it sees more traffic with the opening of 191 College and the forthcoming Wright Street Parking Deck. This phase of improvements is scheduled to finish this fall.
Magnolia Streetscape Project
The north side of West Magnolia Avenue from Wright Street to Donahue Drive will also be getting a facelift this fall. The sidewalks will be widened and pedestrian lighting will be installed to improve the experience for pedestrians along this welltraveled street.
New Traffic Signals
A new traffic signal has been installed to help regulate traffic at the intersection of East University Drive and the entrance to The Shoppes at Cary Creek (Publix), the forthcoming Cary Crossing Shopping Center and the new Russell Building Supply location. Work is underway to construct dedicated left-turn lanes and right turn deceleration lanes into both Russell Building Supply driveways—one at the traffic signal and one east of the light on East University Drive. Another traffic signal is on its way to the intersection of South College Street and Cox Road this fall! The signal will be accompanied by road widening to add left turn lanes at the intersection.
North College at EUD/Shug Jordan improvements Improvements are also coming this fall to the intersection of North College Street and East University Drive/Shug Jordan Parkway. Right turn deceleration lanes will be added traveling west from East University Drive to North College Street and traveling south from Shug Jordan Parkway to North College Street. The existing cable-suspended traffic signals will be replaced with decorative traffic signal poles similar to those at the Cary Crossing intersection to enhance this
gateway into town from the north. Future plans are also in the works to plant more trees along East University Drive to this ntersection.
Recreation Projects
Several projects from the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Master Plan are underway, including work on the new Dinius Park. The passive park is being created on nearly 13 acres of land that was donated to the City from the Dinius family.The passive park will be located on the north side of East Glenn Avenue between Ivy Lane and East University Drive and include shaded trails, a dog
park, a nature playground and dock on the existing pond. Mulching work has begun, and construction is expected to begin this fall.
Phase 1a of the Saugahatchee Greenway/Blueway Project is also expected to begin late this fall. The project includes a trailhead, parking and canoe/kayak drop-ins on Donahue Drive and Richland Road. Design work is also underway on improvements to Frank Brown Recreation Center, an inclusive playground at Town Creek Park, a trail at Westview Cemetery and Sam Harris Park and the new Lake Wilmore Park.
All information came from the City of Auburn, AL Open Line Newsletter as seen here.
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