Pardon Our Progress: Your Guide to Navigating Downtown Douglas Construction
If you’ve tried to grab coffee or run into the business center lately, you’ve seen the orange cones. Downtown Douglas is currently undergoing a massive transformation, and while the result will be a better, more beautiful Main Street, the “getting there” part is a bit of a pain.
Tyler Johnston and I met with the organizers of the Pardon Our Progress (POP) initiative to talk about the solutions being put in place to help residents and business owners survive the dust until June.
How to Avoid the Traffic Jams in Douglas, WY
The biggest question on everyone’s mind is: How do I get around? Main Street Douglas and The Enterprise have teamed up with the City of Douglas to provide real-time communication. To make the detours less of a chore, they are even launching humorous videos (look for the human traffic cones!) to show you exactly how to reach your destination.
Pro-Tip: Don’t just guess your route. The City of Douglas website now features a GIS system map. You can see exactly where the crews are working, how long that specific block will be affected, and where the clearest paths are for parking.
Supporting Our Local Downtown Businesses
Construction doesn’t just cost time; it costs our local shops revenue. Favorites like Douglas Grocery, Poppy and June, the Mrs. Surplus, and The Business Center are all open and ready for your business.
To help drive traffic, a new incentive program is in the works! Organizers are securing sponsorships to provide gift cards to customers who continue to shop downtown during the construction. If you are a business owner looking to offer a discount or join the program, now is the time to reach out and get involved.
Events Still On the Calendar!
Don’t let the orange vests keep you away. The downtown community is still hosting the events that make Douglas special:
May 2nd: The Downtown Cookie Hop (A family favorite!)
June: The Night Cruisers Car Show and Jackalope Days
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
While the construction is disruptive, it is a necessary part of keeping our town vibrant and updated. By sticking together, using the updated traffic tools, and making a conscious effort to shop local, we can ensure that Douglas comes out of this project stronger than ever.
Join the Conversation:
How are you navigating the downtown detours? Do you have a favorite shop that deserves a shout-out for staying strong during the construction? Leave a comment on our video and let’s support our neighbors!
