By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Major traffic changes are coming to downtown Huntsville as construction tied to the expansion of Big Spring Park enters a new phase expected to last through the summer.
City officials announced that improvements along Church Street between Clinton Avenue and Williams Avenue will begin next week as crews continue transforming the former City Hall property into an expanded public greenspace designed to better connect both sides of Big Spring Park.
The project will include new pedestrian safety features, upgraded streetscape improvements, additional ADA accessibility, and a new crosswalk connecting the east and west sections of the park. Officials say the expanded park area will feature a multi-level terrace plaza, enhanced gathering spaces, and a pavilion intended for community events and public activities.
Construction is expected to affect traffic patterns in phases beginning Tuesday, May 26. Initial work will close the outside northbound lane on Church Street for sidewalk removal and replacement through June 23.
Later phases will include median construction, lane shifts, and temporary closures affecting both northbound and southbound traffic through mid-August. During portions of the project, traffic in both directions will be reduced to single lanes.
City leaders are encouraging drivers to exercise caution in the area and, whenever possible, seek alternate routes to avoid delays downtown.
The Big Spring Park expansion is one of Huntsville’s most visible downtown redevelopment projects and is part of broader efforts to enhance walkability, public gathering areas, and tourism activity in the city center.
Officials expect the park expansion and Church Street improvements to be completed by the end of 2026, weather permitting.