Business at a downtown pet boutique has increased significantly, thanks to the reopening of the Fifth Street Bridge, according to Phillip Russum.
Russum, a trainer at Fetch 501 located at 501 Broad St., which opened in June, said that’s especially true on weekends.
“We’re obviously uniquely poised to take advantage of it because it’s right there,” he said.
After being closed for more than two years, the pedestrian bridge, which cost nearly $11 million to complete, opened Saturday, Sept. 24, just in time for the Ironman 70.3 Augusta. The bridge now features shaded seating, a history walk, and play areas for children.
The history walk also shows important dates, including 1888 and 1929, when the original Jefferson Davis Memorial Bridge was damaged by floods, and 1931, when construction on the current structure was completed.
In June, Augusta’s Director of Engineering, Dr. Hameed Malik, told ABD the pedestrian bridge was also designed with safety in mind.
“The most glaring issue was the historic metal railing, which did not meet current safety codes,” Malik said. “While important to preserve, the railing was both too low and too open to protect children and other visitors, and the design team solved this problem with the addition of a cable railing system adjacent to the historic railing.”
The bridge is also equipped with LED lights and security cameras.
For Fetch 501, which sells a variety of retail products, such as leashes, food, and clothing, and offers grooming, training, and boarding services, its proximity to the bridge has led to more foot traffic.
“A lot of people with dogs come across; it’s beneficial, and it’s nice,” Russum said.
