As work on the Main Street Enhancement Project advances, it has now become necessary to close the thoroughfare to vehicular traffic to ensure continued progression of the road project. Still keeping with the agreement to complete work during night hours, the contractor now requires the closure of Main Street to the motoring public between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The closure will begin Friday, Feb. 9, and will continue Mondays through Fridays, until further notice, according to a press release issued Thursday by the V.I. Department of Public Works.
“This project will enhance Main Street (Route 308), by providing new sidewalks, new roadway eurocobble® pavement, historic lighting, underground utilities, landscaping and improved drainage,” said Commissioner Nominee Nelson Petty Jr.
The project, which is fully funded by the Federal Highway Administration, is a critical and vital component of the continuing downtown Charlotte Amalie revitalization efforts.
For more information on the Main Street Revitalization Project, call 776-4844.
In my opinion, Main Street should be closed permanently to vehicular traffic. Beautiful gates should be erected at each end of the street. This street should be pedestrian only. Taxi stands could be placed nearby. They could string lights across the street for nighttime dining and entertainment, and have shady areas with water features for resting all along the street during the day. They could install public pay bathrooms at either end. This would not only cater to the tourists, it would also invite the locals to venture downtown at night. All evening parking would be for locals and free. Taxis and safaris would be prohibited from parking lots, but not taxi stands. At night the street could be locked when business closes. Police could patrol the street during evening hours. I have lived on St Thomas for years, but have only ventured to Main Street 2-3 times. I do not feel welcome or safe (due to the traffic and uneven pavement/water guts) as a local. And the barkers were particularly obnoxious, if not slightly threatening.
This is the time to do as mentioned above. Where are the shop owners to lobby for a closed (finally) Main Street?? You have a huge voice. Let the taxis use Back Street to go back, and maybe down Raadets Gade.
Can someone share the planned traffic flow, taxi waiting areas, loading areas, and parking spots in the main shopping area and Fort lot, etc.
Back to de ship! must move dey mudda ass OFF Main Street! I
Its Time, this time, to create and enjoy a pedestrian Main Street!