City reports two-way conversions downtown, curb ramps and sidewalk work under street optimization project

Mayor William S. Stimpson announced progress on the downtown street optimization project, saying the city converted Warren Street and a section of Dearborn Street from one-way to two-way traffic and crews are installing curb ramps and sidewalks on Royal Street.

‘‘Last week, Warren Street and a section of dear Devon Street were converted from 1 way to 2 way traffic. Proud to report that the traffic's moving smoothly in both directions using a yield flow model where vehicles can still park on either side of the street,’’ Mayor Stimpson said. He described the changes as intended ‘‘to slow traffic, improve pedestrian safety, and make businesses more accessible.’’

The mayor said construction crews were performing ADA-compliant work on Royal Street — ‘‘you'll see the construction cones and see where the concrete's been knocked out. All of that's being done as part of, ADA, some ADA compliant compliance that we have to do.’’ The Downtown Mobile Alliance is working with the city on implementation, he added.

Stimpson also referenced other downtown waterfront improvements supported by a recent GoMesa grant, including bulkhead extension and a proposed boardwalk connection to Cooper Riverside Park, and thanked state officials for grant support. Details on traffic modeling, timing for remaining conversions, and specific pedestrian-safety metrics were not provided in the public excerpt of the meeting.