Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton and City Council member Don Redman will join members of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, Public Works Department and downtown partners to break ground on the $2.7 million project to enhance the Laura Street corridor.

WHEN: 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10

WHERE: Laura Street between Bay Street and Independent Drive
(This portion of the road will be closed to thru-traffic during construction. Access to the Modis building garage will be maintained.)

WHAT: This project will further enhance the pedestrian character of downtown Jacksonville's most pedestrian-used corridor by creating a more walkable environment and complement the continual revitalization efforts of downtown.

Unique elements that will be used to make Laura Street the new entryway into downtown Jacksonville include: moving the Andrew Jackson statue to a newly-created roundabout in front of The Jacksonville Landing and installing prominent street markers for better traffic/pedestrian navigation, directional kiosks, historical plaques and cobblestone pavers.

Other design elements include: creating a two-way traffic pattern, acquiring new right-of-way for Laura Street and installing new pedestrian pavement, lighting, landscaping and hardscaping.