The city of Salisbury is on the brink of a significant transformation, with the City Council recently approving the final designs for the Main Street streetscape project. This milestone marks the culmination of over six years of planning and community engagement, setting the stage for a comprehensive overhaul of the city’s central corridor.
The project, which has been in the works for over a decade, saw its first community feedback session in 2026. Since then, the city has hosted numerous public information sessions, gathering input and refining the designs. The final designs, presented by Transportation Director Jared Mathis and representatives from ESP Associates, include a range of improvements aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety, aesthetics, and infrastructure.
Main Street Streetscape: A Comprehensive Overhaul
The streetscape project is divided into two main phases. Phase one, completed in 2026, involved the restriping of 17 blocks along Main Street at a cost of $47,000. Phase two, the current focus, encompasses the construction of new sidewalks, landscaping, and utility upgrades from Horah Street to Kerr Street. The total estimated cost for this phase is $22.49 million, with the city securing multiple grants to cover the majority of the expenses.
Surface-Level Improvements
On the surface, the final design includes brick-paved sidewalks and extended pedestrian corners to reduce walking distances. A notable feature is the ‘furniture zone,’ a buffer area between the road and sidewalk that will include new landscaping, benches, and lighting. The landscaping plan involves replacing all existing trees and plants with a mix of ginkgo and elm trees, along with various shrubs, flowers, and grasses that are either native to the area or low-maintenance.
Each block will retain its current driveway access and loading zones. Additionally, mid-block bump-outs will be introduced to encourage slower driving speeds and provide more space for landscaping. Parking will be reduced from the current 268 spaces to 195 spaces after the project’s completion.
Under the Surface: Infrastructure Upgrades
Beneath the surface, the project includes significant infrastructure upgrades. Water main replacements will create two parallel eight-inch water mains, replacing the current single main. Mid-block taps will be installed for easier vendor access during events, and 70 new fire services will be added to facilitate sprinkler system installation in adjacent buildings.
The plan also includes more storm inlets to improve stormwater management, particularly in low-lying areas. Traffic signals will be replaced with new mast arms and electrical improvements, including an improved duct bank for future utility installations. This duct bank will run the entire length of Main Street, allowing for easier access and reducing future disruptions.
With the final designs approved, the next steps involve securing additional funding and moving forward with the construction process. Transportation Director Jared Mathis will return to the council to seek approval for the second Federal Highway Administration (FHA) Surface Transportation Block grant and a construction engineering and inspection contract.
Construction bids are expected to be advertised in the fall of 2026, with bids opening around the end of the year. Assuming approvals and funding are secured, construction is estimated to begin in June or July 2027 and is expected to take two years to complete. The construction will be divided into four-month block chunks to minimize disruption to traffic flow.
Main Street will remain open throughout the construction period, with detours for road traffic and pedestrian access managed on a block-by-block basis. Businesses will be prioritized, with closures limited to 72-hour periods enforced through the construction contract.
The Salisbury Main Street streetscape project represents a significant investment in the city’s future, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional infrastructure. As the city moves forward with this transformative initiative, residents and businesses alike can look forward to a revitalized Main Street that serves as a vibrant hub for the community.
