Funded by: NC Department of Commerce Rural Economic Development Grants (2), ECDI Legislative Directed Grant, Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc., Tourism funds of City of Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County, Visit Elizabeth City, and a local match funded by City of Elizabeth City.

​

Main partners/contractors:  Kimley-Horn, A.R. Chesson Construction, Eastern Carolina Construction, City of EC Electric Dept.

 

Goals of this project:

The three main goals of this project are: 1) Create a safer connection (physically and perceptually) from one area of downtown to another; 2) increasing parking and connections to existing parking; and 3) traffic calming.

 

The main goal of this and complementary waterfront improvement projects is to create a safer pedestrian connection to and from the main central business district area to the southern section of downtown – Waterfront Park, Museum of the Albemarle, Waterworks Development, southern end of Poindexter development, Elizabeth City State University, the ECPC Senior Center, and to the larger City municipal parking lot. The project is expected to diminish – if not fully erase – perceptions that the corridor is not visitor-friendly and will make it more investor and visitor-friendly.

 

(Lack of) parking downtown is an issue that comes up often as a concern.  The municipal parking lot can be a premium “park and walk” lot, which, in reality, is not far from anywhere downtown; however, the perception is that it is far away and it is not safe to come and go from the lot. This project will bridge that connection and will also add additional parking spaces along Water Street.

 

Another goal is traffic calming. Water Street changes from two lanes at Shepard Street to five lanes, back down to two lanes at Fearing Street. This creates a short sprint speedway effect. Vehicles speed up to get to the next light. In addition, this thoroughfare is also an easy “through-way” for commercial vehicles who should be taking the bypass to their destinations. Reducing the roadway to one lane north, one lane south, and a turning lane (where needed), is intended to slow traffic speed and reduce through way traffic.  This will reduce vehicle speed and make pedestrian crossings easier.

 

In sum, the WSTP will catalyze economic activity in Elizabeth City by creating an accessible, safe, appealing and more active waterfront corridor, and will therefore offer substantial benefits consistent with those achieved by other place-making projects.

 

It must also be emphasized that the WSTP is greater than the sum of its parts. It is an essential component of broader efforts now under way for the corridor, including not only new infrastructure, but new events and initiatives. This project will leverage these other efforts and amplify their economic and tourism impact.

 

The Water Street Transformation Project must be understood as an essential component of a larger vision to enhance the corridor’s accessibility/safety, connectivity, and appeal. Water Street’s problems and constraints include its weak pedestrian linkages and its overall width.

 

The proposed NCDOT “Road Diet” and crosswalk improvements (stripping/repaving Water Street, reducing the number of lanes, and adding parallel parking where appropriate), with documented support from stakeholders, are separate but complementary to the Water Street Road Diet scope of work. 

 

This project will also complement the improvements being made at Waterfront Park associated with the Harbor Towns Cruises funding: Waterfront Park:

 

• Install new sidewalks on both sides of Water Street from Main to Ehringhaus Streets (approx. 1,960 LF of sidewalk). This will replace deteriorated/settled sidewalks; appealing brick-banding will also be installed.

• Install a new segment of sidewalk (approx. 100 LF) from Main Street heading eastward toward Moth Boat Park (up to the entrance to the private condominium complex). This will tie into the previous Streetscape project completed on Main Street years ago.

• Install new corridor amenities, including: new decorative streetlights where none currently exist; flood lighting, and other areas to increase safety; and event electrical panels so that temporary electrical panels don’t have to be installed for festivals and events.

• Additional elements such as benches, trash cans, public art and other amenities will be added as a separate project.

 

Because this project has the most potential for disruption, it will be completed in phases. (NOTE: Projected timelines may be impacted by weather or other unforeseen circumstances and are subject to change.)

 
Phase 1 – June 30 – August 1 -- West side of Water Street from Ehringhaus to Fearing (near United Bank and ECPC Senior Center).

Phase 2 – August 1 – August 29 – East side of Water Street from Fearing to Main Street and short section of Main Street to condo entrance (near Mariners’ Wharf Park and former Rochelle Cleaners).

Phase 3 – September 2 – October 27 – West side of Water Street from Fearing to E Main

Phase 4 – October 28 – November 25 – East side of Water Street from Ehringhaus to E. Fearing

​

All four phases involve: equipment and supply mobilization, demolition of existing sidewalks, electrical wiring, base reconstruction sidewalk reconstruction (concrete forming & pouring), installation of light posts and event panels and other electrical features, installation of brick pavers. 

 

In addition to the above, Phase 3 will include storm drainage work and curb and gutter work.

​

Note: Some minor changes to the scope of work have been made since original renderings: removing a section on both east and west sides of Water Street near Ehringhaus Street, and eliminating a short section on East Main Street (scope will end at private residence drive).