Council Gets Update on Second Street Corridor Project

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The “hump bridge” on Second Street will likely stay in place for use by pedestrians, but the road will veer off at that point and become a separate bridge, connecting it to Little Richard Penniman Boulevard.

It’s all part of a revitalization of Second Street that will connect Gray Highway to Mercer University through a pedestrian friendly corridor.

New green spaces and parks will be added along Second Street, along with bike trails, as a way to bring excitement and attract businesses to the area.

CHA & Huntley Partners presented their plans to city council Tuesday night, and while most council members seemed satisfied, some raised questions over those who currently live on Second Street and approved SPLOST funds for the project, but won’t be included when the road veers off to connect to Little Richard Penniman.

“For it to stop and turn off of Second Street and for them to continue to call it ‘Second Street Project,’ it’s really kind of disingenuous language,” says Macon councilman Henry Ficklin.

Mayor Robert Reichert says the current plans are a great start and that everyone will benefit from the project once its complete.

“We can’t wave a magic wand and do the whole city at one time,” says Reichert.  “This is a wonderful start, because whether you live on the north side, the south side, the east side, or the west side, it’s everybody’s downtown.”

There is still no final estimated cost for the project, which could also include street cars, but it will be paid for using SPLOST and Tax Allocation District funds.

Council is expected to approve an implementation plan for the project by next month.