Downtown Improvement Project

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Small sidewalk closures will begin on Tuesday, May 5 and progress down the 100-block face of West Erwin Street, completing a storefront sidewalk each day. Businesses will remain open and patrons will have alternate entrances.

Alternative business entrances for customers during sidewalk improvements are listed below:

  • Balance: Enter through the front door of Downtown Iron.
  • Cash Finance: Call ahead at (903) 531-9801, and enter through the back door (accessible by using the back interior parking lot off of S. Broadway Ave)
  • Optima: Call ahead at (903) 459-6864 and meet Optima staff at the front door of Lightbox Collective.
  • Black Pearl: Enter through the main front door of Rick’s On the Square.
  • Rick’s On the Square: Enter from the secondary front door to the left of the main front door.
  • Lightbox Collective: Enter through Optima.

Road closures and traffic changes:

  • College Avenue remains closed between Ferguson Street and just south of Erwin Street as part of the Downtown Improvement Project.

  • Erwin Street remains closed from west of College Avenue to Broadway Avenue.

  • East Erwin Street from Center Avenue to just west of Thompson Avenue (local access only)

  • Fannin Avenue, where northbound traffic remains shifted to the west with one lane open

  • Erwin Street between Spring Avenue and Fannin Avenue remains closed as part of the Smith County Courthouse improvements.

  • Fannin Avenue between Erwin Street and Ferguson Street also remains closed in this work zone.

Consent Decree Update:

Consent Decree capacity improvement work along College Avenue is nearing completion. Belt Construction has almost completed the work in this area, and Oncor has provided the approval needed for crews to move forward with backfilling and paving.

  • Weather permitting, College Avenue is projected to be paved and reopened by May 18.
  • Once College Avenue reopens, northbound and southbound traffic will be able to access College Avenue, as well as the portion of Elm Street between College Avenue and Bois D’Arc Avenue.
  • Barricades will also be removed from the Bank of America parking lot and Art Alley.
  • Fair Plaza Parking Garage access will fully reopen when College Avenue reopens, and traffic will return to the two-lane entrance and exit configuration that was in place before construction.
  • Restoration work near the Tyler Public Library is projected to be completed in mid to late May, immediately following the paving of College Avenue.
  • Elm Street is projected to fully reopen by the end of May, weather and ground conditions permitting.

Access to the Fair Plaza Parking Garage remains open.


A map showing construction closures and pedestrian access for Downtown Tyler.


Access and detours
Access to nearby businesses, parking areas, and sidewalks will remain available where possible. Drivers are encouraged to follow posted detour signs, allow extra travel time, and use alternate routes when possible while work is underway in the Downtown area.

Free parking is available at the Fair Plaza Parking Garage, located at 208 S. College Ave., and the Smith County Parking Garage, located at 210 E. Ferguson St.


About the Project

Big changes are coming to Downtown Tyler. Over the next three years, the heart of our city will be transformed into a more vibrant, walkable, and welcoming place for everyone to enjoy. This exciting project is the result of a strong partnership between the City of Tyler and Smith County, working together to create a downtown that connects people, supports businesses, and reflects the future of our growing community.

At the center of this project is the complete redesign of the Downtown Square. The new square will feature a beautiful community green space, places to sit, public restrooms, and even a small area for food trucks. This new area will offer open space designed to host large events, festivals, and community gatherings throughout the year.

In addition to the green space, major upgrades are coming to the streets and sidewalks surrounding downtown. Streets will be converted back to two-way traffic with the addition of roundabouts to help slow down traffic without stopping the flow. Sidewalks will be wider to give pedestrians more space, and new landscaping, lighting, benches, and outdoor dining areas will make Downtown more inviting. The improvements will make it easier and safer to walk, shop, dine, and enjoy Downtown.

The project also includes a major investment in parking, mobility, and future growth. Smith County has already completed a new parking garage with 500 spaces, and construction is now underway for the new Smith County Courthouse, which will serve as a landmark at the center of Downtown. Additional parking changes, road closures, and traffic adjustments will continue during construction to keep the project moving forward.

To support economic growth, the City and County are also working with private partners to bring new businesses, restaurants, and residential spaces to Downtown. Already, several historic buildings are being renovated, and plans are underway for a new boutique hotel, The Blackstone by Valencia Hotel Group, which will bring visitors and new energy to the area.

The Downtown Improvement Project is being carefully planned in phases to minimize disruption while moving the work forward. Phase I will focus on improvements along Erwin Street, Broadway Avenue, Ferguson Street, and College Avenue. Phase II will complete the new West green space on the Square. Construction began in fall 2025 and continues over the next three years, with a total investment of $25.5 million, including $10.7 million of allocated ARPA funds exchanged through the Half Cent Sales Tax Fund, and the remaining portion paid for by Tyler Water Utilities and Information Technology funds.

The Downtown Improvement Project is more than just construction. It is about building a Downtown that reflects who we are as a community and where we are going as a city. By investing in Downtown Tyler, we are creating a destination for residents and visitors, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that Tyler remains a great place to live, work, and enjoy for generations to come.

Scroll to the bottom of the page to ask a question about the Downtown Improvement Project!





Small sidewalk closures will begin on Tuesday, May 5 and progress down the 100-block face of West Erwin Street, completing a storefront sidewalk each day. Businesses will remain open and patrons will have alternate entrances.

Alternative business entrances for customers during sidewalk improvements are listed below:

  • Balance: Enter through the front door of Downtown Iron.
  • Cash Finance: Call ahead at (903) 531-9801, and enter through the back door (accessible by using the back interior parking lot off of S. Broadway Ave)
  • Optima: Call ahead at (903) 459-6864 and meet Optima staff at the front door of Lightbox Collective.
  • Black Pearl: Enter through the main front door of Rick’s On the Square.
  • Rick’s On the Square: Enter from the secondary front door to the left of the main front door.
  • Lightbox Collective: Enter through Optima.

Road closures and traffic changes:

  • College Avenue remains closed between Ferguson Street and just south of Erwin Street as part of the Downtown Improvement Project.

  • Erwin Street remains closed from west of College Avenue to Broadway Avenue.

  • East Erwin Street from Center Avenue to just west of Thompson Avenue (local access only)

  • Fannin Avenue, where northbound traffic remains shifted to the west with one lane open

  • Erwin Street between Spring Avenue and Fannin Avenue remains closed as part of the Smith County Courthouse improvements.

  • Fannin Avenue between Erwin Street and Ferguson Street also remains closed in this work zone.

Consent Decree Update:

Consent Decree capacity improvement work along College Avenue is nearing completion. Belt Construction has almost completed the work in this area, and Oncor has provided the approval needed for crews to move forward with backfilling and paving.

  • Weather permitting, College Avenue is projected to be paved and reopened by May 18.
  • Once College Avenue reopens, northbound and southbound traffic will be able to access College Avenue, as well as the portion of Elm Street between College Avenue and Bois D’Arc Avenue.
  • Barricades will also be removed from the Bank of America parking lot and Art Alley.
  • Fair Plaza Parking Garage access will fully reopen when College Avenue reopens, and traffic will return to the two-lane entrance and exit configuration that was in place before construction.
  • Restoration work near the Tyler Public Library is projected to be completed in mid to late May, immediately following the paving of College Avenue.
  • Elm Street is projected to fully reopen by the end of May, weather and ground conditions permitting.

Access to the Fair Plaza Parking Garage remains open.


A map showing construction closures and pedestrian access for Downtown Tyler.


Access and detours
Access to nearby businesses, parking areas, and sidewalks will remain available where possible. Drivers are encouraged to follow posted detour signs, allow extra travel time, and use alternate routes when possible while work is underway in the Downtown area.

Free parking is available at the Fair Plaza Parking Garage, located at 208 S. College Ave., and the Smith County Parking Garage, located at 210 E. Ferguson St.


About the Project

Big changes are coming to Downtown Tyler. Over the next three years, the heart of our city will be transformed into a more vibrant, walkable, and welcoming place for everyone to enjoy. This exciting project is the result of a strong partnership between the City of Tyler and Smith County, working together to create a downtown that connects people, supports businesses, and reflects the future of our growing community.

At the center of this project is the complete redesign of the Downtown Square. The new square will feature a beautiful community green space, places to sit, public restrooms, and even a small area for food trucks. This new area will offer open space designed to host large events, festivals, and community gatherings throughout the year.

In addition to the green space, major upgrades are coming to the streets and sidewalks surrounding downtown. Streets will be converted back to two-way traffic with the addition of roundabouts to help slow down traffic without stopping the flow. Sidewalks will be wider to give pedestrians more space, and new landscaping, lighting, benches, and outdoor dining areas will make Downtown more inviting. The improvements will make it easier and safer to walk, shop, dine, and enjoy Downtown.

The project also includes a major investment in parking, mobility, and future growth. Smith County has already completed a new parking garage with 500 spaces, and construction is now underway for the new Smith County Courthouse, which will serve as a landmark at the center of Downtown. Additional parking changes, road closures, and traffic adjustments will continue during construction to keep the project moving forward.

To support economic growth, the City and County are also working with private partners to bring new businesses, restaurants, and residential spaces to Downtown. Already, several historic buildings are being renovated, and plans are underway for a new boutique hotel, The Blackstone by Valencia Hotel Group, which will bring visitors and new energy to the area.

The Downtown Improvement Project is being carefully planned in phases to minimize disruption while moving the work forward. Phase I will focus on improvements along Erwin Street, Broadway Avenue, Ferguson Street, and College Avenue. Phase II will complete the new West green space on the Square. Construction began in fall 2025 and continues over the next three years, with a total investment of $25.5 million, including $10.7 million of allocated ARPA funds exchanged through the Half Cent Sales Tax Fund, and the remaining portion paid for by Tyler Water Utilities and Information Technology funds.

The Downtown Improvement Project is more than just construction. It is about building a Downtown that reflects who we are as a community and where we are going as a city. By investing in Downtown Tyler, we are creating a destination for residents and visitors, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that Tyler remains a great place to live, work, and enjoy for generations to come.

Scroll to the bottom of the page to ask a question about the Downtown Improvement Project!




Ask a Question

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  • Share When is it going to be finished on Facebook Share When is it going to be finished on Twitter Share When is it going to be finished on Linkedin Email When is it going to be finished link

    When is it going to be finished

    Ashley Rene Fountain asked 2 months ago

    The entire Downtown Improvement Project is projected to be completed by January 2028. The project is broken into phases, so portions will open along the way. For example, College Ave. is set to be open in the spring, so you can experience what one of the completed streets around the square will be like.

  • Share Hello, is this plan considering crosswalk safety? Given the roundabouts, how will this provide a safe crossing for residents? Thank you on Facebook Share Hello, is this plan considering crosswalk safety? Given the roundabouts, how will this provide a safe crossing for residents? Thank you on Twitter Share Hello, is this plan considering crosswalk safety? Given the roundabouts, how will this provide a safe crossing for residents? Thank you on Linkedin Email Hello, is this plan considering crosswalk safety? Given the roundabouts, how will this provide a safe crossing for residents? Thank you link

    Hello, is this plan considering crosswalk safety? Given the roundabouts, how will this provide a safe crossing for residents? Thank you

    h asked about 2 months ago

    Yes, crosswalk safety is certainly part of the plan. The roundabouts will help reduce traffic congestion because there will be no traffic signals. Speed will be reduced in the area, and adequate signage and reduced crosswalk distances will be implemented to ensure safe pedestrian crossings.

  • Share Will we lose street parking on the block south of the square on Broadway between Erwin and Elm, with the widened sidewalks and going down to 2 lanes? Will there be any options to getting a designated shuttle stop for our customers? on Facebook Share Will we lose street parking on the block south of the square on Broadway between Erwin and Elm, with the widened sidewalks and going down to 2 lanes? Will there be any options to getting a designated shuttle stop for our customers? on Twitter Share Will we lose street parking on the block south of the square on Broadway between Erwin and Elm, with the widened sidewalks and going down to 2 lanes? Will there be any options to getting a designated shuttle stop for our customers? on Linkedin Email Will we lose street parking on the block south of the square on Broadway between Erwin and Elm, with the widened sidewalks and going down to 2 lanes? Will there be any options to getting a designated shuttle stop for our customers? link

    Will we lose street parking on the block south of the square on Broadway between Erwin and Elm, with the widened sidewalks and going down to 2 lanes? Will there be any options to getting a designated shuttle stop for our customers?

    The Loft asked 2 months ago

    There will be no parking between Erwin and Elm on Broadway, but there will be dedicated lanes for loading and unloading. This includes deliveries and patrons. Guests will be encouraged to utilize the parking garage next door.

  • Share The online Broadway view between Erwin and Ferguson show a pedestrian crossing about midway. With a traffic circle at those two intersections to keep traffic moving, how can pedestrians cross Broadway safely? on Facebook Share The online Broadway view between Erwin and Ferguson show a pedestrian crossing about midway. With a traffic circle at those two intersections to keep traffic moving, how can pedestrians cross Broadway safely? on Twitter Share The online Broadway view between Erwin and Ferguson show a pedestrian crossing about midway. With a traffic circle at those two intersections to keep traffic moving, how can pedestrians cross Broadway safely? on Linkedin Email The online Broadway view between Erwin and Ferguson show a pedestrian crossing about midway. With a traffic circle at those two intersections to keep traffic moving, how can pedestrians cross Broadway safely? link

    The online Broadway view between Erwin and Ferguson show a pedestrian crossing about midway. With a traffic circle at those two intersections to keep traffic moving, how can pedestrians cross Broadway safely?

    Glenn asked 2 months ago

    Safety is increased for pedestrians crossing Broadway Avenue at this crosswalk, as the speed limit in this section will be significantly reduced, in accordance with traffic laws for one-lane roundabouts.

    That portion of Broadway Ave., between Ferguson and Erwin, will be closed during specific large events that use both blocks of the green space. The crosswalk was installed at that location to facilitate easier connections during these events.

  • Share Will there be bike parking on the square? I would love to bike to downtown more often, but bike parking is really limited unless you're at the Foundry. Thanks! on Facebook Share Will there be bike parking on the square? I would love to bike to downtown more often, but bike parking is really limited unless you're at the Foundry. Thanks! on Twitter Share Will there be bike parking on the square? I would love to bike to downtown more often, but bike parking is really limited unless you're at the Foundry. Thanks! on Linkedin Email Will there be bike parking on the square? I would love to bike to downtown more often, but bike parking is really limited unless you're at the Foundry. Thanks! link

    Will there be bike parking on the square? I would love to bike to downtown more often, but bike parking is really limited unless you're at the Foundry. Thanks!

    joe asked 5 months ago

    Yes, bike parking will be included within the new community green space.

  • Share Will there be street lights at the round abouts cross walks/street traffic across the main road through the square, or will traffic flow based on pedestrian yielding ? Also how much visibility lighting will be added for the square at night ? on Facebook Share Will there be street lights at the round abouts cross walks/street traffic across the main road through the square, or will traffic flow based on pedestrian yielding ? Also how much visibility lighting will be added for the square at night ? on Twitter Share Will there be street lights at the round abouts cross walks/street traffic across the main road through the square, or will traffic flow based on pedestrian yielding ? Also how much visibility lighting will be added for the square at night ? on Linkedin Email Will there be street lights at the round abouts cross walks/street traffic across the main road through the square, or will traffic flow based on pedestrian yielding ? Also how much visibility lighting will be added for the square at night ? link

    Will there be street lights at the round abouts cross walks/street traffic across the main road through the square, or will traffic flow based on pedestrian yielding ? Also how much visibility lighting will be added for the square at night ?

    David asked 4 months ago

    There will be no traffic signals at the roundabouts. Instead, drivers will reduce their speed and yield to pedestrians and to vehicles already circulating in the roundabout, helping traffic move smoothly and safely, decreasing wait time, and creating a continuous flow of traffic.

    To make our new community space as safe and welcoming as possible,plenty of lighting will be added throughout the area for better visibility. Lightposts will also be installed along the borders of the roundabouts and at all the street corners surrounding the green space.  


  • Share When should the work on Erwin in front of Rick's expected to finish up? on Facebook Share When should the work on Erwin in front of Rick's expected to finish up? on Twitter Share When should the work on Erwin in front of Rick's expected to finish up? on Linkedin Email When should the work on Erwin in front of Rick's expected to finish up? link

    When should the work on Erwin in front of Rick's expected to finish up?

    Mable asked 6 months ago

    This section is estimated to be completed in spring of 2026.

  • Share Will there be on street parking in front of businesses? on Facebook Share Will there be on street parking in front of businesses? on Twitter Share Will there be on street parking in front of businesses? on Linkedin Email Will there be on street parking in front of businesses? link

    Will there be on street parking in front of businesses?

    Pamboydbombyk asked 6 months ago

    Yes, the same number of parking spaces will be available as previously. They will be just angled differently to accommodate the two-way traffic.


  • Share I am in a wheelchair and it is very difficult to get around downtown, I mostly avoid going downtown all together. How much of these changes will be wheelchair accessible and make it easier for me to get around and explore downtown more? on Facebook Share I am in a wheelchair and it is very difficult to get around downtown, I mostly avoid going downtown all together. How much of these changes will be wheelchair accessible and make it easier for me to get around and explore downtown more? on Twitter Share I am in a wheelchair and it is very difficult to get around downtown, I mostly avoid going downtown all together. How much of these changes will be wheelchair accessible and make it easier for me to get around and explore downtown more? on Linkedin Email I am in a wheelchair and it is very difficult to get around downtown, I mostly avoid going downtown all together. How much of these changes will be wheelchair accessible and make it easier for me to get around and explore downtown more? link

    I am in a wheelchair and it is very difficult to get around downtown, I mostly avoid going downtown all together. How much of these changes will be wheelchair accessible and make it easier for me to get around and explore downtown more?

    Samajam21 asked 7 months ago

    All sidewalks within this project scope are being widened to 20 feet, allowing wheelchairs plenty of space. New ADA ramps will be installed at intersections, storefront parking areas, and the future green space. Overall, sidewalk crossings and pedestrian-accessible areas utilize a curb-less design, allowing for greater accessibility for wheelchairs, bicycles, strollers, and more.

  • Share Where will families park for restaurants on the southern side of the square such as Don Juan's? on Facebook Share Where will families park for restaurants on the southern side of the square such as Don Juan's? on Twitter Share Where will families park for restaurants on the southern side of the square such as Don Juan's? on Linkedin Email Where will families park for restaurants on the southern side of the square such as Don Juan's? link

    Where will families park for restaurants on the southern side of the square such as Don Juan's?

    David asked 8 months ago

    There are two free parking garages Downtown: the Fair Plaza Parking Garage at 208 S. College Ave. and the Smith County Parking Garage at 210 E. Ferguson Ave. The regular on-street parking spaces will be open in phases throughout the project. 

Page last updated: 05 May 2026, 10:55 AM