2nd St. Downtown to Get Some Love

In August of 2009, I shared with you my odd dreams of machinery digging into the streets around my home in downtown Davis.

Yesterday morning, I awoke to what I was convinced was some big-toothed behemoth of a machine digging into the asphalt at the corner of 2nd & C Streets. But, when I took my coffee outside, there was no machinery, no barricades, and no federally stimulated workers to be seen.

I was dismayed to find out that the project had been delayed for a year.  But now, my wait for a friendlier 2nd Street seems to be over.  The City announced on June 16th that an $840,000 contract had been awarded to North Bay Construction for this federally funded project.  A Notice to Proceed was issued to the Contractor for July 6, 2010, and the time for completing the project has commenced on that date. The Contractor, for a variety of unknown reasons, has not yet mobilized to the site.  This morning, however, I noticed a whole bunch of new spray paint on the asphalt… be still my beating heart!

What exactly about this construction has me aflutter?  Pedestrians and bicyclists are going to find that 2nd Street is much easier to navigate after the project is completed, for one.  Also, all of the new street lamps to be installed will be energy efficient LED lighting that comply with our Dark Sky Ordinance AND keep with the historical aesthetic of our Core Area… three birds with one stone, great job City Staff!

The City describes the project with this easy to read list, but basically, 2nd Street is going to look more like 3rd Street.

• The four intersections between C and F Streets will receive the “bulb-out” treatment to shorten the crossing distances and improve accessibility. The landscaping and lighting at each corner will be improved with the addition of new trees, shrubs and light fixtures.

• Two existing bus stops (Second and E Street) will be enhanced with designated areas and on-street parking spaces will be re-striped resulting in a net increase of available parking. The City is exploring possibilities for on-street bicycle parking, as well.

• While the project construction work is underway, the storm drainage system on Second Street will extended to improve drainage at C and D Streets.

• The entire stretch of Second Street between B and G Streets will be repaved during the final phase of construction.

• Pedestrian walkways will remain open during the project with minor detours.  Street closures will be limited and a phased project schedule will minimize traffic diversions.

• It is anticipated that only one lane of traffic will be closed during construction and reopened at the conclusion of each workday.

• There will be low-energy LED fixtures installed throughout.

Now, why isn’t the City extending the project to the heavily trafficked intersection of B St. and 2nd St.?  Simple answer: B Street from 1st to 5th Street has it’s own rehabilitation plan that is in the works… more on that later.  Thoughts on other intersections that need some help?  Leave them in the comments below.