South Main Street Improvement project celebrates completion

The Cade Museum hosted a celebration this morning marking the completion of the South Main Street Improvement project.

The two-year, $8.5 million project added wider medians and sidewalks, bike lanes, and roundabouts.

The project was designed to make the street safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

"So we did a long process, several years, of talking to people about what the right balance of the corridor should be so that ultimately once we build it, it works for as many people as possible - not only 18 wheelers but also baby strollers," said Andrew Meeker, a Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency Manager.

It's hoped the renovations will attract new businesses to the area.

Utility lines were also moved underground to create space for more parking.