16-05-2025
Augustans share frustrations navigating downtown road construction on Telfair Street ahead of summer events
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – If you are heading downtown for events at the Bell Auditorium, you may encounter some traffic issues on Telfair Street.
Along with comedian Ali Siddiq coming to town, high school graduations for Richmond County Schools will take place there because of construction on a new James Brown Arena.
Some Augustans say while they see progress being made, it still makes for a tough commute around the Garden City.
Kaleb and Tabatha Tillman were able to get books at the Augusta Library with their young daughter, but they say getting downtown has been quite a hassle.
'Just in general, the last year has been crazy difficult to get around. Crazy difficult to get to work, finding different routes to get around everything,' said Tillman.
The city has been paving new asphalt and road striping on Telfair between 8th and 13 Street since March.
But recent construction is another reason Tabatha was forced to close her business.
'I was doing in-home therapy, and I had to close my business in December. I lost a lot of money last quarter just because you work with someone for an hour, and you only get paid for how long you work with them. So, having to take her (my daughter) to school and navigate all of this—I was actively losing money because it was adding 30 minutes to my commute and everything,' said Tillman.
Traffic engineers have finished work between 10th and 13th, and now the intersection of Telfair and James Brown Boulevard is getting a facelift.
They have made the Bell Auditorium aware of the projects, but for now, some Augustans will have to keep paying the price for progress.
'We did warn them this was coming. They knew a while ago that this area was going to be under construction about this time. So, we just need to get through the season. Next year, the construction should be moved on, so it shouldn't be an issue next year and everything should be back to normal,' said Augusta Traffic Engineer, John Ussery.
'There are a lot of people that are impacted by this that a lot of people don't see and know about,' Tillman said. 'We just kind of avoid downtown. I feel really bad for all the business owners being impacted by this, because I think the city just takes on too much at one time.'
Traffic engineers say the intersection at Telfair and James Brown will remain closed for at least the next two months.
The best way to get around it is taking detours from 10th Street to Greene Street.
Parking is available on 7th Street outside of the old James Brown Arena, and spaces along the main roads downtown.
For the latest updates on construction progress, you can find more information at the Augusta Traffic Engineering Division's website.
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