As downtown Martinsville braces for the upcoming renovations of the historic courthouse, residents and visitors will need to navigate changes in traffic patterns around the celebrated square. According to a release by Morgan County's official website, the relocation of the courthouse and probation departments to the new Morgan County Judicial Campus at 180 S. Main St. is already underway, setting the stage for a significant update to the courthouse grounds.
Preparing for the utility work that will breathe new life into the area, Meyer Najem will soon close Jefferson St. Though having the street closed, project planners assure that the sidewalks will remain open for pedestrians. Jefferson St. is scheduled to reopen to southbound traffic after a month, with angled parking lines that are freshly painted on the east side of the street. During the renovations, it has been planned for the west side's parking to be off-limits, used as a construction entrance.
The release also indicates a temporary shift to one-way traffic on several adjacent streets to accommodate the ongoing work. "As Jefferson St. reopens to traffic, the one block of Morgan St. on the square will be one way west, Main Street, one way south, and Washington on the square will be one way east," the county's statement explained. It emphasizes that although signage may suggest otherwise, Morgan, Main, and Washington streets will remain open, albeit with adjusted traffic flow.
To alleviate parking concerns during the construction, the county has made a request that is quite respectful. Businesses owners and their employees are encouraged to park off the square, allowing more spaces to be available for customers. Subcontractors have also pledged their cooperation, agreeing to leave their own cars at designated lots off the square. The planned external enhancements include not just reconfigured parking but new sidewalks and ADA-compliant ramps and curbs as well.
Once the courthouse interior is fully renovated, it's slated to provide office space for the professionals currently housed in the Morgan County Administration Building. Contractors are aiming to complete street work prior to Small Business Saturday, to ensure that two-way traffic and parking return to Morgan, Main, and Washington streets in time for the shopping event.
