Florence’s Progress on Lucas Street Corridor Development

Florence takes Major Steps Towards Lucas Street Corridor Plan

The city of Florence, its citizens, and its businesses will have a clearer understanding of what needs to be done to enhance the U.S. 52/Lucas Street entrance corridor from the Interstate 95 business district to downtown Florence at Darlington Street, Oakland Avenue, the MLK flyover of the rail yard by the end of the year.

“Revitalizing corridors starts with the public right of way. Changing that demonstrates that as a city, county or state, we’re prepared to invest in ourselves. This shows stability and confidence to the private sector that if the city, county, and state are willing to invest in this area, then they would also be willing to,” said Clint Moore, assistant city manager.

The study about to be concluded and future plans will focus on where the city and county can best use their funds to demonstrate their dedication.

Importance of the Corridor

The corridor is crucial in showcasing the best of Florence as visitors travel from the interstate towards downtown. “If you are coming from anywhere north of Florence, such as Fayetteville or Wilson, and you’re going to come to Florence, you’re likely going to pass Lucas Street,” Moore said.

Moore identified three zones that the traffic passes through: the interstate business district, a spot where Jennie O’Bryan Avenue will soon join with Lucas Street, and an area of flourishing and idle businesses proceeding into downtown.

Proposed Developments

Seminar Brewing is one of the businesses keen on participating in the development of the corridor. One essential aspect of spurring development along Lucas Street will be connecting the city’s sports complex—home to Carolina Bank Field, several other ball fields, a track and field competition venue, and the Florence Tennis Center.

The street itself is one of the most significant challenges to the redevelopment of the corridor. “A road designed like Lucas street, essentially a six-lane thoroughfare, will absolutely cause drivers to speed. You have a big open corridor, nothing that will cause the driver to be cautious,” Moore said.

As part of the corridor improvement plan, there would be a system to introduce elements into the road designed to reduce traffic speed. This might include narrower lanes, traffic circles, speed humps, grassy medians, and raised crosswalks.

City Council member and Mayor-elect Lethonia “Peaches” Barnes inquired about lowlands along the corridor. In response, Hemingway explained that the area currently occupied by powerlines is the only low place along the road and it is the city’s primary route to move water from along the street to Black Creek.

Moore outlined that a final presentation of the draft and public meetings will be held at the end of September, followed by probably another month to produce the final rough draft. The final study on improving the corridor will suggest concepts and ideas that, ideally, will lead to conversations and development, Jebaily concluded.