Downtown Findlay Construction to Begin July 5
Downtown Findlay is getting a facelift, and the Main Street project officially begins July 5. As the Downtown Findlay construction is underway, please forgive our mess and plan accordingly when coming Downtown to go shopping, date night, for a special event, or for work!
What will Downtown Look Like?
Mayor Lydia Mihalik explains “It will completely transform work and play downtown, making it pleasant and safe, which is the original intent. Downtown will be a destination, not a way to pass through.” These changes are more than just a resurfacing project, but also a beautification project. Trees will be removed that may be blocking signage to storefronts, sidewalks, bike racks will be added on alternative intersections, there will be improved signage and more. Also to be added will be plantings at intersection curb bump outs with trees, vegetation and seasonal flowers, irrigated flower baskets on light poles (current lights are staying), coordinated speakers to improve sound quality and enable balanced music, up-lit trees add ambiance with color adaptable filters, and an irrigation system ensures proper watering of landscape. On the road, mid-block crossings with pedestrian refuge areas will be added, additional parking is to be added on West Main Cross St., and while all four lanes of traffic will stay, including turn lanes at intersections, median hardscape and plantings are intended to slow traffic, lowering the risk of accidents and keeping pedestrians safe.
What are the steps?
The project will begin Wednesday, July 5, and is anticipated to be completed in November 2017. To minimize the disruptions to businesses, night time milling of asphalt is scheduled to minimize daytime issues. One lane north and south bound will be open, allowing customers to reach downtown. Curbside parking areas will be available that are not within the direct construction zone and sidewalk barricades will be minimized when water and electricity conduit are laid. Businesses will be notified of any front door access impediments.
The different steps for the project include:
- Asphalt milling of Main St. from Center to Lima
- Night time work beginning 7/5
- Will remove the top 3 inches
- Keeping at least one lane in each direction open for traffic
- Sidewalk repairs/construction can happen anytime in the process
- Conduit for electricity/water will be laid under the sidewalk near curbs
- Drainage improvements
- Bump out construction
- Median and cross walk construction
- Laying of new asphalt
Want more information?
Downtown Findlay’s Main Street Updates will keep you informed of progress throughout the 5 month process, to be added to the Downtown Findlay’s newsletter list email Alissa Preston, Director of Visit Findlay, apreston@visitfindlay.com. You can also receive updates weekly directly from the City of Findlay by requesting to be put on their mailing list, engineering@findlayohio.com. You can also see more about City of Findlay road construction on their website, call the Mayor’s office, 419-424-7137, and see all Ohio road improvements and traffic updates at OHGO.com.
Don’t let the construction scare you away, there is so much to do in Downtown Findlay! Check out our list of great restaurants to try, places to pick up a gift for someone special (or yourself!), events to attend and more! We will see you Downtown!