Groundbreaking held for streetscape improvement project in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday marked the start of a new “streetscape” improvement project in Wilmington.

The City of Wilmington and the North Carolina Department of Transportation have partnered for Dawson and Wooster streets to undergo enhancement projects.

The improvements include sidewalks, pavement, ADA improvements, landscaping, and pedestrian amenities.

The $5.76 million project is designed to build on and expand the City’s existing sidewalks, while strengthening connections between surrounding neighborhoods and enhancing the appearance of the two streets—one of the City’s primary gateways.

Mayor Pro-tem Kevin Spears says the community has been asking for connectivity.

“People want to be able to connect more and not necessarily in cars or on busses, the ability to connect to places walking is huge, as we talk about green space and things of that nature so, me, I’m huge on the tangible, so anytime we can deliver something that people really ask for, it’s huge for me,” said Spears.

Another major part of this project is the loss of a lane on Dawson Street, going from four to three lanes.

Spears says there is always a concern with a loss and losing a lane could potentially contribute to traffic backup, but says it is something that the community will adjust to, and the positives of the project will outweigh any negatives.