Extensive landscaping began this week at the intersection of U.S. 70 and Main Street. ArtisticScapes, a Clayton-based landscaping company, will plant 365 shrubs and trees and 360 flowers. Also, it will erect 192 feet of decorative fencing on the grassy knoll. An entrance sign will be placed in the area eventually.

Town Manager Steve Biggs said the project, which included irrigation, would cost $51,000. Leftover money for downtown development will foot the bill, he said. He added that it was one of the biggest and most expensive landscaping projects in the town’s history.

“We are really going to make it pop,” Biggs said of the area. “I think it will catch people’s attention. We have a lot of people driving through Clayton, and we want to make a positive impression. We want them to stay and explore the local businesses or consider looking at our housing choices.”

Revamping the intersection has been in the works since Champion Street was realigned last year to intersect with Main Street, Biggs said. “We took some action at the time of the project was done to remove some overhead utility lines to that space to improve the look of the intersection,” he said.

The Clayton Downtown Development Association, Biggs and Planning Director Skip Browder met for several months to plan the design of the project.

Jeme Avent, cochairman of DDA’s Design Committee, said it was important not to shield the current businesses with the landscaping. Also, she wanted flowers that bloomed year-round.

“The design was meant to catch the passerby’s eye from every angle at the intersection,” Avent said. “The businesses will definitely benefit from the beautiful corner. This corner is going to be so amazing. I hope there are no accidents over here from people stopping to check it out because it will be so awesome.”