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:Due to the traffic circle closure, business and building owners on the traffic circle who receive trash pickup service from Republic Services will need to place their trash carts on Ray, McNeill or Martin Street on pickup days instead of at the curb inside the traffic circle. The Republic Services truck will not be able to access your cart inside the traffic circle during the first week of construction. 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.

Construction is anticipated to disrupt 1 to 2 pickup cycles during the full circle closure and could disrupt additional cycles during the partial closures anticipated during the remainder of the project. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve pedestrian and vehicle safety in downtown Carthage.

Project News

8/24/2026:

Phase 1 of the Carthage Downtown Revitalization project is anticipated to begin Monday, August 31, 2026. Please be aware that the traffic circle will be closed to all vehicle traffic for ONE WEEK. After that, the circle will be closed in "halves" to accommodate some traffic flow during construction. Please view our documents section on the right side of this page for more detailed information and maps. Start date is subject to change.

8/6/2026

Due to a delay in materials, the anticipated project start date is now end of August-early September 2026.

7/16/2026

Town staff are working to finalize construction plans with the contractor and design team. Construction is anticipated to begin within 2-4 weeks.

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.