Businesses adjusting to street upgrades on Greenville’s Reade, Fifth

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Traffic is getting busier around downtown Greenville due to street upgrades being done at one busy intersection.

Traffic is getting even more congested with Reade and Fifth Streets closed to all drivers. It’s part of a $42 million project to put in better roadways, sidewalks, landscaping and crosswalks.

Most people are familiar with the intersection because of Sup Dogs on the corner. The construction began on Monday so it’s a little early to tell. However, the work means your commute through downtown will likely be slower and a bit trickier.

“I was kind of concerned when they were putting out the roadblocks and everything just because it’s right in front of our door,” said Riley Weaver, the shift leader at Cucinellas Pizzeria and Italian Ice, which has been open for about a year at its location.

“I thought maybe it would, you know, impact business, but they said that everybody can walk through the sidewalk. And, you know, we’ve actually had one of our busier lunches today, even with the students being gone. So I really don’t think it’s impacted us very much.”

Bret Oliverio owns two businesses in the area, Sup Dogs and Crush. He said so far, the closures don’t seem to be stopping people from coming in either place. They are trying to work the logistics of bringing in their food delivery trucks.

“Any time all the roads leading to your business are shut down and closed, it’s probably not going to help,” Oliverio said. “But we’re lucky. We’re sort of have become a destination. The community support, people visiting Greenville support us.

“It kind of stinks for all businesses as it’s going to be dirt and people drilling every five seconds. But once it’s done, the streetscape is going to look beautiful. And I think it’s just totally improved the look of the downtown. So like I said, short-term pain, but in the long run it’s going be great for everyone.”

A lot of people on Tuesday were still having to turn around. Here’s a quick look at some of the detours. You can turn onto Holly Street or Jarvis Street to get around to East Fourth Street, which will then lead to detours on Cotanche Street.

The city said they are not enforcing their normal paid parking plan in the downtown area until the construction work is finished. They encourage you to still support the downtown businesses in this area.

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