PHASE I PROJECT:
COMPLETED!
The first phase of a major revitalization effort in the Historic Downtown has been completed! Crews worked hard over the winter months and made significant improvements to the water and sewer utilities.
The crews began construction on the north side of the Central Business District and is progressed to the south at a steady rate. The decision to start from the north and head south was an attempt to mitigate negative impacts that construction can have on parking and the accessibility of our Downtown shops and restaurants. We began working in the square on December 21st. This allowed the major events such as the parade of lights, Holiday dining, Christmas shopping, etc. to occur without any significant impacts. The City has worked closely with the Historic River District to ensure that we remain aware of the concerns that accompany construction.
As crews worked in the heart of the Historic Downtown and around the square, City Staff provided regular updates and information on impacted parking spaces, possible lane closures and any utility service interruptions. Crews began working on the northeast corner of the square (2nd Ave and Church St.) on December 21st and continued to work in a counterclockwise pattern until all of the infrastructure around the square has been replaced and/or repaired.
On December 20th of 2020 the Historic Square was changed to one-way traffic. The vehicular movement is now controlled in a manner that only allows vehicles to travel in a counterclockwise pattern in order to eliminate the two-way traffic, limit the volume of vehicles and ultimately provide a safer working environment for the construction crews. Additionally, signage was placed throughout the square to ensure that motorists and pedestrians can properly avoid the active work zones.
Beginning in the month of January, our crews tackled one of the most complex portions of the project. The northwest corner of the square serves as the primary outlet for the square's gravity sanitary sewer. Our construction crews spent a considerable amount of time on West Church Street in the 200 block. The repair and replacement of the sanitary sewer required us to connect to the existing sewer main that is located out on 3rd St. / HWY 14. After a difficult but successful January, we completed the water main replacements on the west, south and east blocks directly around the square. This is the counterclockwise progression that we have outlined in previous updates.
February was another active and productive month despite the incredibly cold temperatures. Our crews worked through the weather, and we completed Phase I on March 22nd of 2021.
These improvements have set the stage for the continued growth and revitalization of our beautiful Historic River District. The City is excited to see all of these improvements come to fruition, however we do know that with our progress there will also be some nuisances. We apologize in advance for any negative impacts and we greatly appreciate your patience as we move forward with Phase II of the project. Please use an abundance of caution, follow the signage and remember to slow down when driving through any work zones. Our number one goal throughout this entire project is to make sure that all of our staff and contractors go home safely at the end of each shift. If you have any questions or concerns you can reach City Staff at 417-581-2407.
Collectively we realize that 2020 presented several unique challenges to retail and restaurants. Our goal is to work hand-in-hand with the property owners, tenants and customers that frequent the Historic Square. Stay tuned for more updates...
