Phase II of the Downtown Streetscape Project, aimed at upgrading key infrastructure, will begin in April, according to a city of Pine Bluff news release.
A public meeting for property owners and the general public is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. April 4 at the Pine Bluff-Jefferson County Library.
The Downtown Streetscape project will include improvements to lighting, sidewalks, drainage, curbs and gutters, landscaping and other streetscape elements along Main Street between Fourth Avenue and Eighth Avenue.
Construction is projected to begin in April and is expected to be completed before the end of the year, according to a news release.
The pre-construction meeting for the Downtown Streetscape Phase II was held at City Hall on March 13. During the meeting, Mayor Shirley Washington signed the nearly $2.4 million contract with Ben Shields of Shields & Associates of Little Rock.
Others in attendance included city representatives such as Larry Matthews, director of Public Works, as well as representatives from McClelland Consulting Engineers and the Arkansas Department of Transportation.
"As we work to create a sense of place in our downtown district, we are excited to embark upon the groundbreaking of Phase II of our streetscape project on Main," Washington said.
McClelland has been involved since the beginning of the streetscape project and will provide construction oversight services for the duration of the project. The project is financed, in part, with funding from ARDOT, along with municipal and bond funds, according to the news release.
Matthews echoed the mayor's sentiments.
"This project continues the downtown beautification efforts," he said. "This investment is part of our commitment to a more thriving downtown."
Washington also expressed interest in expanding streetscape improvements to other parts of the city.
"We look forward to expanding well-rounded streetscape projects throughout the city as we invest to improve quality of life and stimulate economic growth within our community," Washington said.
The project is being managed by the Public Works Department, with support from the Economic and Community Development Department. ECD contributes to more livable communities by supporting neighborhood and commercial district revitalization through public works projects, housing programs, public services and economic development activities.