Downtown Revitalization Project

Project typeSafety Improvements & Downtown Revitalization
Project value$912,499 in Grant Funding
Project scheduleOngoing
Contractor nameSQ Civil Contractors

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO DOWNTOWN REPUBLIC SERVICE CUSTOMERS: If you are a business or building owner on the traffic circle who receives trash pickup service from Republic Services and the truck is unable to access your trash can due to road closure, you will need to place trash carts on Ray, McNeill or Martin Street on pickup days instead of at the curb inside the traffic circle. We recommend marking your cart with your service address by using a piece of paper or painter's tape with your address written on it. If your cart is lost, please call Town Hall to request a new one.

Project News

9/21/2026

Starting Monday (9/21) the Town will close N. McNeill Street at the intersection of Barrett Street and N. McNeill Street during the construction project. The closure will be located as shown in the map titled Map for N. McNeill Closure in the documents list to the right. The barricade will be placed on the N. McNeill Street side of the intersection only. As shown in the attached route map, traffic on N. McNeill Street will not be able to continue north through the intersection once the closure is in place.

This action is being taken in response to ongoing traffic safety concerns at the intersection. Barrett Street is controlled by stop signs, while N. McNeill Street traffic does not stop. However, Town staff have observed multiple instances of drivers on Barrett Street either failing to stop or mistakenly assuming that vehicles traveling on N. McNeill Street are required to stop. These misunderstandings have resulted in numerous near-miss incidents and at least one vehicle crash.

The closure is intended to improve public safety and reduce the risk of future accidents.

Motorists traveling to McReynolds Street/NC 24-27 westbound toward Robbins should plan to use an alternate route. Drivers are encouraged to turn left onto Saunders Street, then right onto S. Ray Street, and then left onto McReynolds Street. Following this route will help motorists avoid reaching the barricade on N. McNeill Street and having to turn around.

We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation as we implement this safety measure to improve safety for motorists traveling through the area.

Project Overview

The Town of Carthage is undertaking a multi‑phase Downtown Revitalization Project to improve safety, accessibility, infrastructure, and the overall experience of downtown for residents, visitors, and businesses. The project focuses on upgrading sidewalks, streets, utilities, and public spaces while preserving the historic character of the downtown area.

Construction will occur in clearly defined phases to reduce disruption and maintain access throughout downtown. Rather than closing large areas at once, work will move block by block so that businesses can remain open and pedestrian access can be maintained. While construction will cause temporary inconvenience, these improvements are intended to support long‑term economic vitality and a more walkable, welcoming downtown.

How Construction Will Be Phased

Construction will be completed in a series of planned phases to limit disruption and keep downtown accessible throughout the project. Only certain blocks will be under construction at any one time, and work areas will shift as each phase is completed.

Phase 1 will focus on roadway improvements bringing pedestrian refuge islands and clearly defined crosswalks to the Courthouse Circle. These improvements will help drivers and pedestrians have a safer experience when moving around downtown.

Other phases will follow with improvements to parking, access and mobility for both vehicles and pedestrians. Future phases call for lighting improvements, enhanced seating throughout downtown and attractive landscaping.

This approach is intended to balance construction needs with continued access for businesses and visitors.

What to Expect During Construction

During construction, business owners and visitors may experience temporary impacts, including noise, dust, and changes to traffic or parking patterns. These conditions are expected and are a normal part of infrastructure improvement projects.

The Town and its contractors will work to:

Maintain pedestrian access to downtown businesses
Provide advance notice of major changes when possible
Coordinate work to minimize disruption

Construction activities will move as work progresses, meaning impacts will be temporary and limited to specific areas rather than affecting all of downtown at once.

Downtown Access, Parking, and Businesses

Downtown Carthage will remain open during construction. Access to businesses will be maintained throughout the project, although routes, parking locations, and traffic patterns may change as work progresses.

Temporary parking and access adjustments may be necessary in active construction areas. The Town will work to clearly communicate available parking options and pedestrian routes so that residents and visitors can continue to support downtown businesses during construction.

Project Status and Schedule

The Town has awarded the Phase 1 construction contract to SQ Civil.

Because construction schedules can change due to weather, utility coordination, and other factors, timelines will be communicated in the Project News box as they become available and updated as needed.

How to Stay Informed

This webpage will serve as the primary source of information for the Downtown Revitalization Project. Updates will be posted as construction schedules are finalized and as work progresses.

Additional information may also be shared through Town announcements, social media, and other public communication channels, such as CodeRED. Residents and business owners are encouraged to check this page regularly for the most up‑to‑date information.