WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Top Tier Fitness, nestled off Liberty Street in downtown Winston-Salem, is about to see some gains around the gym and not just muscles.
What You Need To Know
Many cities and towns across the state are considering converting one-way streets to two-way streets in downtown areas
Winston-Salem is converting four of its main downtown streets to two-ways
Business owners, residents and visitors seem to have a mostly positive outlook on this project
Soon, the city will transform some of the busiest streets in downtown from one-way to two-way. Gym member and active user of these lanes, Georgia Tanner, is pumped up.
“I think it is going to make it a little easier to get to some of those spots you want to go,” Tanner said.
Crews are already working on parts of First Street and Second Street, and the city expects them to finish by the end of this year. They'll begin soon on Liberty and Main, but that won't be done until at least next year.
It's a heavy lift all in hopes of satisfying current residents and bringing in more downtown visitors.
“I think that when you have two-way streets, it always kind of gets to their destinations. GPS isn't always 100% accurate when it comes to that, and so if you miss your turn and you do something like that, rather than having to take a 10-minute detour, you know you can just kind of turn around,” Tanner said.
The best part? More parking.
“Then I would say that’s the best news I’ve heard all day,” Tanner said.
Crossfit coach and co-owner, Ben Bizzell, would have to agree.
“Somebody’s got to park somewhere and on Fridays the streets are packed and busy. We just make the most of it right,” Bizzell said.
Luckily for Top Tier, the Liberty and Main Street conversion will allow for 10 additional parking spots on Liberty and seven for Main Street.
Overall, the outcome seems to be positive for businesses and visitors alike. It's just a matter of adjusting.
“I mean how long has it been one-way. I’m sure its going to be confusing at first, but as with anything, we as humans don’t like change, but sometimes change is exactly what we need, to thrive,” Bizzell said.
As downtowns grow, so must the adaptations of streets, sidewalks and parking. Which is exactly what Winston-Salem is working out.