$1.3 million Max Lockwood Dr. project includes drainage, curb and sidewalk improvements

STATESBORO, Ga. (WTOC) - Max Lockwood Drive officially closed on Monday, August 17, and it’ll be that way until late November for a road improvement project.

The one-way street gives people direct access to a playground, pickleball courts, restaurants and shops.

A City of Statesboro spokesperson said the project will cost just more than $1.3 million, funded through a Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or T-SPLOST.

According to the city’s Public Works and Engineering Department, the project includes drainage improvements, curb and gutter work, sidewalk fixes and asphalt pavement replacement. Existing drainage problems caused by stormwater runoff from the shopping center and restaurants on the north side of the street currently flow into Memorial Park and toward the Honey Bowen Building.

The city spokesperson wrote in part, “This is a project our community has needed for a long time, and we’re excited to see it finally underway. The revitalization of Max Lockwood Drive is a great example of the kind of infrastructure work TSPLOST helps fund.”

“This is a project our community has needed for a long time, and we’re excited to see it finally underway. The revitalization of Max Lockwood Drive is a great example of the kind of infrastructure work TSPLOST helps fund. Once complete, Max Lockwood Drive will better serve the local businesses in the area and visitors to Memorial Park and the Bulloch County Parks and Recreation Honey Bowen Building. We appreciate the public’s patience as we complete this major renovation.”

City of Statesboro Spokesperson

The city continued that crews will be there repairing minor items when the road is reopened, so the whole project should be completed by December 31.

Bobby Coble, owner of Statesboro Gun & Pawn, said the work is overdue.

“Thought it was way overdue, that road is horrible,” Coble said. “There’s potholes everywhere, I mean, it’s just way overdue.”

The road closed sign and orange barrels will remain in place for the next 3.5 months.

“Well, it’s better than not having it done at all,” Coble said.

Detours

• Honey Bowen Building, Playground & Tennis/Pickleball Courts
• • Access via the new entrance on Fair Road, just south of the Honey Bowen Building.
  • Overflow parking is available in the grass area adjacent to the existing parking lot south of the building.
• Restaurant & Shopping Center (adjacent to Max Lockwood Drive)
• • Access via the existing parking lot entrance/exit on Fair Road.