Zebulon — Commissioner Roy Collins said sidewalks on Barbee and S. Wakefield streets are a necessity.

After a few years of pushing for the walk ways, construction has begun, and Collins is pleased.

“The sidewalk is tremendously important,” Collins said. “Citizens have to walk in the street and it’s dangerous.

I’ve pushed for sidewalks for them to stay out of the danger of cars.”

Collins said the board of commissioners promised him several years back it would get the project done when the funds were available, and now they are.

Browe Construction Company began work on the Barbee and S. Wakefield improvements on July 14 with a 90-day scheduled completion. By mid-October, those hoofing the area should see new sidewalks and curbs, in addition to stormwater improvements — something of significance in light of the recent rains that have passed by the area.

Beyond aesthetic reasons, Collins noted people shouldn’t have to walk in yards or in the street just to get where they’re going.

He said there are paths across residents’ yards, and that having to choose to travel such paths only to avoid walking in the street is simply wrong, to themselves and those in the properties.

“I don't know another street in town like that,” Collins said of the area highly prone to foot traffic. “And then again, the people who live there can’t keep their yards looking right now. They can’t even plant flowers without them being flattened by walkers, but they won’t have to worry about that when there’s a sidewalk to walk on.”

The improvements will allow many people who walk to local stores a safer method of doing so and bring interconnectivity to the downtown area at the same time.

Collins remains the greatest benefit of the project’s completion will be the safety of the citizens.

“It’s been important to me, but it’s more important for those who live down there around the street,” Collins said. “It’s all about safety. When your walking in the road and some people drive faster than they should or another car can’t get out of the way in time, that’s when accidents happen. Once a person loses their life you can’t give it back.”