Smithfield Approves Funds For Improvements To Downtown Pedestrian Pathway

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – Plans to transform a narrow pedestrian walkway in downtown Smithfield are moving forward after the Town Council unanimously approved carrying over $30,000 for the project.

Council members approved the request Sept. 15 from the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation to carry forward unused money from the town’s 2025-26 special projects fund.

The pathway is located in the 100 block of South Third Street adjacent to Austin Manor. The walkway is owned by Austin Manor, but town staff told council members the property owner had authorized DSDC to make the improvements.

The project is intended to improve the existing walkway connecting public parking areas with businesses and other destinations along South Third Street. Plans call for removing overgrown landscaping and deteriorated pavement and replacing them with an accessible paved walkway, improved lighting and landscaping.

Concept drawings presented to the council also show a meandering concrete walkway, decorative metal arches, low-maintenance landscaping, overhead lighting and other decorative features. Plans also call for a sidewalk mural during a later phase of the project.

The presentation identified several existing problems with the walkway, including poor lighting, broken pavement, weeds, litter and overgrown vegetation that limits visibility.

The estimated total cost is $35,500, including approximately $17,000 for construction, $3,500 for architectural design, $10,000 for decorative elements and lighting, and $5,000 for the sidewalk mural.

Construction is proposed in phases, with the initial work scheduled for completion by the end of December. Decorative elements are targeted for completion by April 2027, followed by the sidewalk mural by June 30, 2027.

Councilman Travis Scott said it would be important to make sure the walkway is maintained after the improvements are completed.

The council unanimously approved the funding request.