The City of Paris is preparing to begin the first phase of the Downtown Signalization Project, a major infrastructure investment that will improve traffic operations, pedestrian safety, and accessibility throughout downtown.
This project is made possible through more than $2 million in grant funding secured through two separate transportation grants. The first grant, funded through the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program, is almost ready to begin. The second grant, a Multimodal Access Grant, is progressing through the approval process and will follow as a future phase of the overall downtown improvement effort.
Phase 1 Construction Locations
The upcoming construction phase will focus on improvements at three downtown intersections:
- N. Poplar Street & E. Washington Street
- S. Poplar Street & W. Wood Street
- E. Wood Street & S. Brewer Street
Work will begin simultaneously at the N. Poplar Street & E. Washington Street intersection and the E. Wood Street & S. Brewer Street intersection. Once those locations are completed, construction crews will move to the S. Poplar Street & W. Wood Street intersection.
Construction Timeline
- Construction Start Date: June 22, 2026
- Estimated Completion Date: November 19, 2026
As with any infrastructure project, timelines can be affected by factors outside of the contractor’s control, including weather delays, utility conflicts, unforeseen site conditions, and equipment or material delivery lead times. While every effort will be made to stay on schedule, residents and businesses should be aware that dates may shift as construction progresses. The City will provide updates throughout the project.
What Improvements Are Being Made?
The project includes a complete modernization of traffic signal equipment and intersection infrastructure, including:
- New signal controllers and signal heads
- Vehicle detection systems that respond to real-time traffic conditions
- Enhanced pedestrian safety features
- Accessibility improvements that meet current ADA standards
These upgrades will improve signal reliability, reduce maintenance needs, and create a safer and more efficient transportation network for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Pedestrian safety is a major focus of this project. New pedestrian signals will provide countdown timers along with tactile and audible features to assist individuals of all ages and abilities. Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPI) will give pedestrians a brief head start before vehicles receive a green light, increasing visibility and reducing potential conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians. ADA-Compliant Ramps and Curb Improvements will improve accessibility and help create safer crossing points throughout downtown. Enhanced crosswalk markings will make pedestrian crossings more visible to drivers and improve overall safety.
What to Expect During Construction
Residents, visitors, and downtown businesses should expect temporary impacts during construction, including:
- Temporary lane closures
- Traffic pattern adjustments
- Pedestrian detours
- Construction activity near businesses and storefronts
To minimize disruptions, only one corner of each intersection will be closed at a time, and pedestrian detour plans have been developed. See below:
The City understands the importance of maintaining access to downtown businesses throughout construction.
Businesses will remain open and accessible during the project. The City and contractor will work to provide advance notice of work occurring near individual properties and will make every effort to maintain safe access for customers, employees, and deliveries.
We appreciate the patience and cooperation of downtown business owners, residents, and visitors as these important improvements are completed. Once finished, the project will provide safer crossings, upgraded infrastructure, and a more functional downtown transportation system for years to come.
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