Construction On Bedford Streetscape Project To Begin This Week

Last updated on Monday, March 13, 2017

(BEDFORD) - Construction on the Bedford Streetscape project will begin this week.

Activity will begin with crews removing trees around the square.

The streetscape work will concentrate on merging safety, functionality and visual appeal around the Bedford square while providing greater convenience and accessibility to pedestrians:

The proposed streetscape will enhance sidewalks and crosswalks in Downtown Bedford.
On-street parking will be pushed out five feet, allowing room for seating areas (depicted as red semi-circles).
Seating areas will be set apart by colored/textured concrete.
Appropriately sized trees and low-lying evergreens will replace existing trees in tree boxes.
A rain garden will be created to address water run-off.
Bump-outs will be created with a medallion etched into the sidewalk and crosswalks will contain a thermoplastic design.
Street furniture including benches, bike racks, and trash receptacles.
Decorative banners, way-finding signs and period lighting will also be utilized.

The City of Bedford has received more than over $2.6 million from the Indiana Department of Transportation for the Streetscape Project as part of the Indiana Stellar Community initiative and the Community Crossing Grant for improvements on Lincoln Avenue.

Trees will also be removed in the 1200 block of Lincoln Avenue so sidewalks can be replaced as part to the Lincoln Avenue repaving and roundabout construction.

According to the Bedford Tree Board, each tree will be replaced three to one.

Community Crossing Grant funds will allow the city to implement improvements on Lincoln Avenue to address traffic problems and improve road conditions. Property has been acquired for this project on the southwest corner of John Williams Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue and the building on the property is being removed and relocated by the Bedford Parks Department for storage.

Both projects will limit disruptions to residents, motorist and businesses.

"City staff and contractors are working to address the concerns of citizens and local businesses and will continue to do so throughout the 2017 construction season but remind everyone that this work requires commitment, patience, and understanding but in the end the results will be worth it," the press release reads. "Together we are Building a Better Bedford."

The city will tear down the old JCPenney building and build a new, limestone-clad building in its place - StoneGate Arts & Education Center. The building will be used to for education, workforce development and professional training through a collaboration with Oakland City University, Ivy Tech Community College, Vincennes University, West Gate Academy, North Lawrence Career Center and Radius Indiana.

The estimated cost of the three-story building is $4.2 million.

The city is currently awaiting final state approval of the project, followed by an April/May bid-letting. Construction is expected to begin this summer and will be completed in 2018.

A construction on the downtown facade project will begin once fund become available

Work will include window replacements, masonry tuckpointing and structural improvements.

The total project budget is $826,000 with funding being provided by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. An estimated 15 building will be improved, with building owners paying 20 percent of the cost.

For more information or to have questions answered email Marla Jones, director of Community and Business Development, at mjones@bedford.in.us or Dan Kirk, planning director and street commissioner, at dkirk@bedford.in.us, or call Bedford City Hall at (812) 279-6555.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

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