When the dust and machinery whirring along U.S. 31 in downtown Cullman settle, pedestrians and motorists alike will find a decorative, useful addition to their surroundings.

For days, construction crews have been at work unearthing old sidewalks, dirt and digging for a multipurpose upgrade from Fifth Street to Seventh Street South along U.S. 31 in front of the Cullman County Courthouse. The bid was awarded in November to Carcel & G Construction in Hanceville for $418,558.

The project has been in the works for several years and includes new pedestrian lighting, sidewalks, brick inserts, flower beds, benches and other aesthetic touches along the thoroughfare.

“This is for the entire Cullman community, not just the city,” Cullman City Council President Garlan Gudger Jr. said. “I think everyone will be proud of it as they drive by it or walk along the area when it’s completed.”

While the work is under way, the city is also taking the opportunity to do some improvements to utilities along that area. 

The sidewalks, lighting and benches will provide a setting for pedestrians to enjoy a break from downtown walks or to reach other destinations on foot, Gudger said.

The city has steadily been expanding its streetscape programs through a series of grants and local matching funds to expand downtown’s convenience for pedestrians as well as to improve the appearance. Since the 2011 tornado damage, reinvestment in downtown has surged with some businesses rebuilt and others the result of new business ventures.

A federal grant through the Transportation, Community and System Preservation program of more than $350,000, with the city and county splitting matching funds, is paying for the current phase of the streetscape program. The work will be ongoing for about a month in the project.