Main Street Improvements Ahead of Schedule

MAIN STREET IMPROVEMENTS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

A nearly $6 million investment into historic Main Street is moving faster than crews initially expected. The project is funded through an 80/20 partnership with the federal government, meaning New Albany is only responsible for 20% of the cost. This investment brings new sidewalks, stormwater and flood protections, new lighting and seating, and a fully rebuilt, safer road for both pedestrians and motorists.

The project has a completion date near this year’s annual Harvest Homecoming Festival, but current estimates, with weather permitting, show that the project is nearly 2 months ahead of schedule, with substantial completion expected in August.

Most of the underground work is complete on the South Side of Main Street, and crews are currently pouring sidewalk curbs and prepping above-ground improvements.

“A lot of the work that has happened so far has been underground, like restoring drainage infrastructure, installing electric and cable conduits, and rebuilding the roadbed,” stated City Engineer, Larry Summers. “Now, crews have moved aboveground and are working on things that people can see, like sidewalks and lighting improvements, so residents and nearby business owners will definitely see improvements happening quickly, as long as we continue to get good weather.”

Once crews complete the above-ground improvements on the South Side of the street, crews will move to the North Side to begin the underground infrastructure improvements like drainage and conduits installations.