First phase completed

TYLER – The first phase of Tyler’s Downtown Revitalization Project is now complete, as city leaders celebrated the reopening of Erwin Street and College Avenue to two-way traffic on Friday.

Construction on Erwin Street and College Avenue started in September, during which detours, barricades, and limited access made it harder for customers to reach local businesses. Rick’s manager, J. Wright Witcher, said Rick’s and neighboring businesses have experienced a 30% decrease in profit since September. However, with Erwin Street opening back, Witcher is viewing it as a silver lining due to the street’s accessibility to Rick’s.

“It’s a lot more walkable, so we’re going to have some parking spots, and it’s going to be a lot better, you’ll be able to drive through Erwin,” Witcher said.

Phase two of the project began Monday, and no parking will be allowed on the south side of West Reguson Street, while Broadway and Erwin will have a protected left light. An increase in police presence will also be in the area to help facilitate the traffic change.