Franklin Street section may become one-way

North Main Street through downtown Mount Airy soon could be joined by another one-way route there, based on a proposal now before city officials.

It calls for a section of Franklin Street to be converted from its present two-way traffic format.

This includes the portion of that street running between North Main and Willow streets, according to city government documents.

Such a move requires that a public hearing be held before it can go into effect.

The Mount Airy Board of Commissioners is expected to vote during a meeting tonight to schedule the hearing on the Franklin Street one-way plan for its next meeting after that on Sept. 19 at 6 p.m.

This change would impact several businesses located along the section in question along with the general traffic flow.

Reason for change

The proposal to make the affected section of Franklin Street one-way is motivated by the ongoing redevelopment of the former Spencer’s textile mill property nearby.

A Balladeer/Marriott Tribute hotel is being constructed in the former Sparger Building of the Spencer’s property fronting Willow Street.

Municipal documents point out that there also are plans to construct a convention/conference center behind the hotel site.

Making Franklin Street one-way from North Main to Willow would “streamline traffic and accommodate the proposed new conference center and hotel project,” city government documents state.

The affected portion of Franklin Street is targeted for a major streetscape project.

Along with moving unsightly overhead power lines underground, the project is to include modifications for Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility such as widening sidewalks, landscaping, lighting upgrades and more as part of an overall enhancement and revitalization of the target area.

Pedestrian safety, accessibility and aesthetics will be improved while promoting economic development and job creation, city officials have said.

They advised in July that nearly $1.8 million in funding had been accumulated for the streetscape work, mostly from state and federal government sources.

At last report, another $850,000 was being sought by Mount Airy from the Appalachian Regional Commission.

It is an agency established by Congress in the 1960s to work with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and an improved quality of life.