Matt Logan
Correspondent
McFarland Avenue in Rossville is finally getting a much-needed makeover that business owners and residents hope will spur continued revitalization of the important thoroughfare.
The heavily traveled thoroughfare in the heart of town is getting new curb cuts and upgraded pavement. The project is being paid for with $460,000 from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The project is expected to be completed by June 1.
"We have been working to get McFarland repaved for a long time," Vice Mayor Teddy Harris said. "Around 14,000 people use McFarland every day, so they will all see a new, nicely paved road. It will definitely make the city look better."
In recent years, Rossville has worked to reinvent itself. The once-thriving textile town is now repositioning itself as the gateway to the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park ahead of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga in 2013.
Rossville Mayor Johnny Baker told the Chattanooga Times Free Press last year that his city used $1.7 million in grant money to spruce up its portion of U.S. Highway 27 with sidewalks, landscaping and lighting.
When stimulus money became available for McFarland, the city jumped at the chance to get federal funding, Mr. Harris said.
"Stimulus funds go to shovel-ready projects, and since we had been planning this for some time, it all came together perfectly," he said.
According to Public Works Director Mark Harris, the improvements will cover about 1.6 miles, from the intersection with U.S. 27 out to the city limits near state Highway 2-A.
Northwest Georgia Paving Inc. of Calhoun, Ga., was contracted for the project.
"We're replacing the pavement, painting new striping and markings and making the sidewalks more handicapped accessible," Northwest Georgia Paving representative Donnie Gay said. "Right now we've got six employees in Rossville and, when the paving begins, we'll have around 20 there."
The contractor is keeping two of the street's three lanes open while work goes on, he said.
Ashley Logan, a server at Lou's Burger House on McFarland Avenue, said she hasn't noticed any negative effect on business because of the construction zone. Just the opposite, in fact. The eatery is a favorite with the work crews.
"Once they're finished, I think it will definitely help Rossville," she said.
Matt Logan is based in Walker County. Contact him at mcl3535@gmail.com