ACTING MAYOR BANDEMER AND PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION HIGHLIGHT RECORD INVESTMENT IN 2024 NEIGHBORHOOD INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES

April 17, 2024 - Acting Mayor Karl Bandemer and Public Works Division leaders today announced a record $48.9 million in neighborhood infrastructure improvements will occur throughout the community this construction season.

Officials highlighted the Harvester Neighborhood Street Reconstruction Project which will begin later this year and completed in 2025. The project consists of completely reconstructing Edsall Avenue between Pontiac Street and Reynolds Street. The street will be reconstructed with curb and gutter, asphalt pavement, sidewalks on both sides of the street, some storm sewer improvements and decorative street lights. The existing street is a mix of asphalt and chip and seal, and is in poor condition with no continuous sidewalk, and lighting on wood poles.

Neighborhood infrastructure highlights (a complete listing of 2024 investments are attached to this news release):

*$400K - sidewalk repairs (50% cost share)

*$1.5M - miscellaneous concrete repairs, including in-house work

*$250K - curb repairs

*$400K - trip hazard elimination & levelling

*$500K - ADA curb ramp packages

*$300K - guardrail and attenuator repairs

*2 major arterial improvement projects

*10 neighborhood street rehab projects

*28 miles of contracted asphalt resurfacing (includes several multi-lane arterials)

*9 miles of asphalt in-house resurfacing

*2 bridge rehab/replacement projects

*1 brick street repair project

*17 concrete alley replacements

*4 new sidewalk construction projects

*6 new trail projects

*10 traffic projects

*13 street lighting projects

*10 miles of chip and seal to asphalt conversions

*41 projects in study, design, permitting or land acquisition stage

Public Works will also bid a fifth resurfacing package using ARPA funds in the qualified census tract areas.

Projects carried forward from 2023

*2 major arterial rehab projects

*2 trail projects

*3 neighborhood rehab/reconstruction projects

In 2017, the City Administration and a majority of City Council members came together to provide additional funding for alley work and sidewalks in neighborhoods.

In 2024, residents and businesses will see a continuation of the City's commitment to neighborhood infrastructure projects with a planned record investment of $48.9 million, which includes $37.5 million for streets/roads/bridges, $9.3 million for sidewalks and alleys, and $2.1 million for trails. Since 2014, the City has invested more than $340 million in neighborhood infrastructure enhancements.

"Our proactive neighborhood infrastructure plan for 2024 sends a strong message that we care about and listen to neighborhoods," said acting mayor Bandemer. "To be able to invest nearly $50 million is a win for our community. Our Public Works Division is committed to meeting the transportation needs that ultimately help enhance economic development opportunities, improve our quality of life, and assist in our collective efforts to be a point of destination to live, work, and play."