Work Resumes on the Village Center Redevelopment Project
The Village Center Utility and Street extension project contractor, Rathje Construction of Marion, has worked over the winter months to install the underground utilities. The next priority will be to pave the street extensions planned for the future development of the area. These include the extension of “A” Avenue westerly from Clark Street to an intersection with the new roadway extended east from Robins Road. This new street and utility project will provide the access and services for the proposed redevelopment of the former Oakbrook property. The completion date for the City project is June of this year with the proposed mix-use redevelopment scheduled to start this fall.
Work Started on New Traffic Signal at Center Point Road and Willman Street
The City Council approved a contract with Rathje Construction from Marion to install a new signal at Center Point Road and Willman Street. The new signals will replace the existing four-way stop installation with signals that will be actuated by pedestrians or side street traffic. The contractor constructed the large concrete bases for the signals and some limited underground conduit back in January. The contractor has now started the removal of the intersection and sidewalks. Traffic has been moved to the west two lanes of Center Point Road and Willman Street has been closed, with established detours. The goal is to have the new signals installed by July.
Design Work Completed on the Willman Street Rehabilitation Project
The design engineer has moved ahead with the Willman Street resurfacing project from Center Point Road to 4th Avenue. Because of the new library addition, we are planning a new asphalt overlay after repair of the deteriorated street areas and new curbs. We are also proposing the addition of a sidewalk on the north side of the street from the library to 4th Avenue. There was an open house in January to introduce the local property owners to the concept. We are proceeding with the design and bidding with the final plans and specifications prepared in March. The schedule is to approve a construction contract in May and have the work completed by September of this year. Any questions please contact the City Engineer at jbender@hiawatha-iowa.com.