SALISBURY — Left turns at the Square are part of a proposed study of Innes and Long streets that City Council will consider Tuesday.
When they meet at 4 p.m. in City Hall, 217 S. Main St., City Council members will vote whether to award a $120,000 contract to Design Workshop Inc. for the East Innes and Long Complete Streets Study, subject to approval by the N.C. Department of Transportation and the Cabarrus-Rowan Metropolitan Planning Organization.
If the study is approved by all groups, the MPO would cover most of the cost, $96,000. N.C. DOT would pay $12,000, and the city would be responsible for the remaining $12,000. The cost of the study is included in the city’s current budget.
The cost of implementing any recommendations that would come from the study is unknown.
Some downtown merchants and city leaders have long supported finding a way to allow motorists to turn left at the Square — the intersection of Main and Innes streets. In part, a left turn would encourage motorists to travel down South Main Street, especially those coming into town from exit 76 at Interstate 85.
The study would have a broad scope in addition to left turns at the Square, including consideration of traffic counts, lane widths and configurations, medians, roundabouts, pedestrian safety, access for disabled people, bike lanes, parking and bus pullouts.
The study would offer several opportunities for public input, including a kickoff event and workshops with the East End, Brooklyn-South Square and Park Avenue neighborhood associations, Downtown Salisbury Inc., City Council, Planning Board, Salisbury Fire Department, Rowan County Emergency Services, Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau, business groups, landowners, N.C. DOT and others.
Also on Tuesday’s agenda:

• Receive highlights and goals presentations from the Housing Advocacy Commission, Human Relations Council, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment.
• Consider a request by Dean Fortson and the city of Salisbury to rezone two parcels at 4120 and 4160 S. Main St., just south of the intersection with Peach Orchard Road, from Corridor Mixed-Use to Highway Business. Council will hold a public hearing.
• Consider a request by the city to rezone five parcels at 515 S. Main St., the site of the burned-down Lyerly Funeral Home, from Downtown Mixed-Use to Corridor Mixed-Use. Council will hold a public hearing.
• Consider joining a countywide initiative to encourage and support high-capital economic development and job growth along the Interstate 85 corridor.
• Receive an offer from Greg Culp of Hap’s Grill to purchase one parcel in the 100 block of North Main Street for $4,485 and authorize the advertisement for upset bids.
• Receive an update from staff regarding Lee Street.
• City manager’s comments.

Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.