Gaines Street
Imagine a "destination district" near downtown, between FAMU and FSU, with restaurants, residences and shops, where people stroll down wide sidewalks and get a true taste of all that Tallahassee has to offer. This is part of the vision for the Gaines Street Corridor as created by Tallahassee business owners, citizens and city government.
Approximately eight years ago, the City of Tallahassee adopted the Gaines Street Revitalization Plan, with the goal of revitalizing the Gaines Street corridor and creating a pedestrian-friendly street with a blend of commercial, residential and cultural uses.
As part of the plan, Gaines Street is being rebuilt from a 2-way, 4-lane road to a 2-way, 2-lane street, with limited on-street parking from Woodward Avenue to Monroe Street. The work along Gaines Street is part of the City Commission's goal to create an 18-hour, pedestrian friendly downtown. During the coming years, as the economy improves and development demand increases, this vital link between both local universities and downtown will become an urban corridor with public art displays, businesses and live/work spaces.
Work
One of the first steps toward the vision for the Gaines Street District is ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place -- from the street itself, to sidewalks, lighting, and water, sewer and electric service.
Utilities
Crews from the City's Electric Utility have already begun work to prepare for the change. This work involves relocating electrical lines and poles off the Gaines Street right-of-way and should be completed by the end of 2009.
Following the electric work, construction should begin in the next few months on relocating and improving underground sewer and water lines. This work is estimated to take about seven months, barring unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather.
Road Construction
In conjunction with the construction on the underground utilities, the road itself will also receive a redesign to fulfill the goals of the Gaines Vitalization Plan. Again, the "new" Gaines Street will feature two lanes, with limited on-street parking between Woodward and Monroe.
Following the replacement of the existing curb and gutter and road resurfacing and redesign, new sidewalks and landscaping will be added. Other pedestrian amenities including benches, trash receptacles and more will also be part of the facelift.
Traffic Changes
During construction on underground utilities and road resurfacing from Monroe Street to Stadium Drive, portions of Gaines Street will be completely closed during overnight hours between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. During the day, between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., two travel lanes will be open, with one lane in each direction. Closure times may vary based on traffics needs. Lane reductions/road closures will be clearly marked in advance so commuters will be able to identify alternative travel routes. The City will also ensure that access to businesses along Gaines Street is maintained.
Once construction on the underground utilities begins, the Gaines Street traffic flow will be permanently reduced to two east-west lanes. Some motorists may elect to use alternate routes. Motorists are encouraged to try alternate routes prior to the start of construction to see which corridor will work best for them and to get a feel for the available options. Maps of overnight work detour plans are available here. Motorists are asked to allow more time for their travels in the affected areas and should exercise caution on all streets.
Contact/Update Information
Citizens can receive updates on the project via:
- the Talgov.com subscription service,
- by following GainesStreet on Twitter, or
- by becoming a fan of Gaines Street on Facebook.
Contact us by email for more information.