Augusta moves forward with bringing lighting to Jimmie Dyess Parkway. Here's what to know.

Local residents and leaders have a goal for Jimmie Dyess Parkway: Let there be light!

The Augusta Commission this week approved allocating $500,000 of American Rescue Plan funds for new lighting on Jimmie Dyess, with particular concern along the very dark area between Gordon Highway and Wrightsboro Road.

Augusta Director of Engineering Hameed Malik estimated that the total project would cost about $1.5 million, which would provide about 150 street lights. So while this won't fully-fund the new lighting, it will help them get the ball rolling.

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But because Jimmie Dyess is a state route, Augusta Commissioner Alvin Mason argued for pushing the state into funding this project. Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson requested this be added to the agenda of their next meeting with the state legislative delegation.

The area in question does get very dark once the sun sets, leading to dangerous conditions for pedestrians and drivers. Less than a month ago, a bicyclist died after being hit at night at the intersection of Jimmie Dyess and Gordon Highway.

While the area will soon see some development with the new Kroger coming, no new street lighting is part of those plans. This is why area-residents like Keith Barrett are urging for this to move forward.

"You will almost hit someone if you are not careful," Barrett said. "A lot of people wear dark clothes and you don't see them."

Malik said they have reached out to Georgia Power to help design this project, and once that's complete, they will submit their plans to the Georgia Department of Transportation for approval.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta Commission approves $500,000 to add lighting on Jimmie Dyess