Excavation work began today on lower Church Street as part of a $1.6 million project which will significantly re-design pedestrian and streetscape elements of lower Church Street and Saint Paul Street.
In 2005, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity: A Legacy for User (SAFETEA-LU) act provided transportation funding to communities across the country. Through the efforts of Senator Patrick Leahy, the City of Burlington received $3 million for specific improvements on the Church Street Marketplace as part of the Church Street Marketplace Improvement Program and $3 million for improvements on the side streets to the Church Street Marketplace.
The improvements undertaken in this phase of work include new traffic signals, crosswalks, curbs, sidewalks, street lighting, and road surfaces. Over the summer, work will occur along St. Paul Street between Main Street and College Street and on Church Street between Main Street and King Street. The project cost is $1.6 million, which includes $323,000 in local match funding, with the remainder covered by SAFETEA-LU funds. This investment in Burlington’s downtown core will enhance the vitality and economic opportunity on these blocks that border the Church Street Marketplace.
‘The Church Street Marketplace is the crown jewel of Downtown Burlington and a true treasure for Vermont,’ said Senator Patrick Leahy. ‘I was pleased to work with the city to upgrade the Marketplace’s aging infrastructure and begin to incorporate the side streets and alleyway into the overall Church Street experience. These improvements will ensure that Church Street continues to be a vital and vigorous place for residents and visitors alike for years to come.’
Senator Leahy has secured more than $14 million in federal funding for the Church Street Marketplace since its inception. He obtained $5.4 million in 1979 to get the Marketplace started, and over the past decade he has secured $9 million more to help refurbish Church Street. These funds have been used to brick the City Hall Block; overhaul the antiquated electrical system; install new trees, benches, and information kiosks; reconstruct the alleyway to the Marketplace Garage; and prepare for streetscape improvements along the side streets of Main, St. Paul, College, Bank, and Cherry.
The side-streets project now underway includes upgrades to sidewalks and ADA compliance issues, minor improvements to major intersections, providing bulb-outs, mid-block crossings, and use of on-street kiosk parking meters. The following lists the components:
â ¢ Installation of bulb-outs at key intersections;
â ¢ Granite curbing with brick solider course;
â ¢ Cold plane pavement and overlay;
â ¢ New catch basins (with narrow openings and flush to pavement where needed);
â ¢ Slow speeds to 20 mph;
â ¢ New ‘countdown’ crossing signals, pavement and new ramps;
â ¢ New mid-block crossing on St Paul Street;
â ¢ Lower Church Street and St. Paul re-configuration and improvement;
â ¢ Additional lighting upgrades for downtown fixtures;
â ¢ Additional way-finding;
â ¢ Bicycle transportation improvements;
â ¢ On-street parking using kiosk payment;
â ¢ Additional plantings; and
â ¢ Consistent sidewalk pavement and widths at key areas.
‘The City is pleased that work has started on this important project,’ said Mayor Bob Kiss. ‘These improvements will enhance the experience of residents and visitors in our downtown and central business district, promote economic vitality, and improve quality of life. I appreciate the support of Senator Leahy in making this project possible.’
Burlington begins work on side streets with $1.6 million in federal funds
Submitted by tim
on