A proposed plan was presented to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen last week concerning the flow of traffic in the downtown area, to include one-way traffic on streets on and off the courthouse square and the addition of cycling lanes.
With a power point presentation, Randolph Cheek outlined the plan. The proposal focused on changing downtown streets into one-way traffic with the exception of Huntington, Wells, Monroe and Adams Streets.
Washington, Jefferson, Natchez, Jackson and Madison Streets leading on and off the square would be made one-way, allowing space for a cycling lane. Other changes would include the addition of crosswalks and sidewalks.
“If we are asking for cycle lanes to get people from the Natchez Trace Parkway and up Huntington Street, why don’t we add cycle lanes in the downtown to help further the cause?” Cheek asked.
In addition, one-way streets would improve traffic flow and help with parking problems, he noted.
“If the mayor and board decide to implement the traffic flow design I will gladly lend the expertise of JC Cheek Contractors Inc. to develop a pavement and curb marking plan for the city at no cost,” Cheek said. He also said JC Cheek Contractors would apply pavement markings to Monroe Street in the time it takes to decide on the traffic flow changes, at no cost to the city, giving an example of how new lanes and cycling routes will appear.
The board took the plan under advisement. A public hearing will be held at the May 17 meeting, giving an opportunity for residents to have an input into the proposed plan.
