By Kimberly McMillian
Correspondent
DAYTON, Tenn. — Driving in downtown Dayton will be inconvenient today through Sunday, but city leaders say the cause is a good one: sprucing up downtown.
The intersections of Main Street and Second and Third avenues at Market Street will be closed today. Then Market Street will close about noon Saturday and stay closed until sometime Sunday, according to city officials.
The closures will accommodate installation of decorative crosswalks at each of the intersections. The new crosswalks will coordinate with the brick paver theme that was put in place several years ago at Market Street and First Avenue, said Kerry Nabors, vice chairman of MainStreet Dayton.
The project will “provide a visual appeal of our pedestrian crosswalks,” said Mr. Nabors. The cost is about $24,000.
The work is part of a larger downtown face-lift, Mr. Nabors said.
MainStreet Dayton’s goal has been to emphasize the downtown’s historic appeal and add more life and energy to the area.
Since November, 36 new light poles have been installed and 26 existing poles have been upgraded, he said.
“The budget for this project was $60,000 and 12 to 15 more poles will be located and installed in late fall,” said Mr. Nabors.
Operators of two local businesses said they expect the street closure might be inconvenient for customers but won’t bother them.
“Saturdays are catch-up days for framing,” said Dennis Knappen, co-owner of ArtCrafters.
Matt McClure, manager at Morgan’s Rent-to-Own, said, “Saturdays are usually slower.”
More restructuring is planned around the historic Rhea County Courthouse, but the details haven’t been finalized.
Ron Harris, treasurer of Main Street Dayton, will discuss updates on the project at the group’s quarterly meeting Tuesday.
Kimberly McMillian is based in Rhea County. Contact her at kdj424@bellsouth.net.