City Engineering is changing traffic directions of two minor roadways in the Fort Sanders neighborhood to better improve circulation and safety during construction around Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center.

City traffic engineers will convert 18th Street to one-way northbound in the Fort Sanders Neighborhood during the week of Dec. 16. Additionally, traffic engineers will convert the block of Laurel Avenue between 18th and 19th streets to two-way traffic. Changes to Laurel Avenue will be completed in early 2020 when the street is cleared of hospital construction, said Zachary Roberts, City Traffic Engineer. 

New parking improvements being completed by Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center may change traffic circulation in this section of Fort Sanders neighborhood. The directional changes will help reduce overall volume on the roadways.

“These conversions are more desirable for the neighborhood and for the safety of motorists,” Roberts said. 

The specific conversion options were chosen following presentations to neighborhood residents.

The streets will not be closed during the conversions.