CRA Approves $1.5 Million in Pedestrian Improvements Along North Adams Street

On Thursday, August 21^st, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board voted 5-0 for the approval of the North Adams Street Pedestrian Improvement project. The approved $1.5 million project includes adding bump-outs to define parallel parking spaces, creating shorter connections between the crosswalks, and improving accessibility of the ramps located on North Adams Street.

Proposed by the City’s Underground Utilities and Public Infrastructure (UUPI) Department, the project aims to improve walkability and road safety from West Tennessee Street to Brevard Street, spanning four blocks.

The project focuses on the intersections on North Adams Street, given the existing sidewalks. By making the intersections tighter, the UUPI claims drivers will be forced to pay more attention to the crosswalks ahead, lessening the chances of pedestrian-vehicular accidents. In addition, due to the corners being sharper, vehicles must take the turn at a slower pace. The enlargement of the curb also provides more space for the accessibility ramps to make smoother transitions along the road.

This project also aligns with the Downtown Community Redevelopment Plan, which aims to increase pedestrian mobility, create a cohesive design throughout the streetscape area, and support the objective of housing and neighborhood preservation.

While the project includes the intersections on Virginia, Carolina, Georgia, and Brevard streets, chair member Curtis Richardson raised the question of whether there would be safeguards at the intersection of Adams and Tennessee Street. It was answered that they would discuss the possibility of tightening the intersection and identify whether some of the turn lanes are necessary. 

The UUIP noted this would be a prime time to work on the project, due to North Adams Street being identified on the city’s road resurfacing list occurring in 2029. With the removal of asphalt to complete this project, there would not be as much to resurface in the future. Thus, suggesting the city would be saving money if the project is approved.

The City of Tallahassee is also investing in new water and sewer utility services located underneath sections of North Adams Street, granting the opportunity for design improvements while the road is already under construction.

The preliminary timeline for the project is as follows: design from Spring 2026 to Fall 2027, bidding in Winter 2027, and beginning construction in Spring 2028. After construction is completed, the city will then resurface North Adams Street in 2029.