Merrill and Pierce Back Open, It's Time to Party!

After months of construction, the Pierce and Merrill street intersection should be reopened for foot and vehicle traffic sometime Friday, city officials said. 

The extensive improvement project includes new pavement, sidewalks, street lights, and water/sewer pipes beneath the crucial roads in downtown Birmingham. The Pierce street reconstruction between Maple Road and Merrill Street started in March, and included removal of water mains as well as cosmetic improvements like sidewalk replacement. The area also has new street lights, parking meters, signs and brick pavers along the tree wells. Pierce reopened to street and foot traffic in early June.

To celebrate , the city will host a block party with children’s activities  during the event from noon to 5 p.m. Putt-putt golf and an inflatable double-shot basketball game will be set up on Pierce Street; while face painting and a large ‘Red Castle’ bounce house will be set up on Merrill Street.

Bands will perform live on an entertainment stage will feature, and Axis Music Academy will perform from noon to 4 p.m., followed by Laura Rain & The Caesars performing rhythm & blues from 5 p.m. to 9 pm.

Local businesses will offer various incentives and promotions throughout the event, including the Townhouse Bistro, which will grill burger sliders in an outdoor cooking station set up on their patio. Crimson Rose will have a sale both inside and outside of their store.

They will offer a raffle and award one lucky shopper with an inside purchase valued at $50. 

“We encourage residents to come out and support Pierce and Merrill
businesses while enjoying many fun activities during the event,” said 
John Heiney, executive director of the city's principle shopping district.

For more information about this event and more, visit www.enjoybirmingham.com.