Construction on Main Street updates waterlines and streetscape in renewal project
Offic-heavy streets is getting a makeover — both above ground and below. Main Street, which runs through the heart of downtown Lynchburg, has underground electrical and water systems that are 200 years old.
The Main Street Renewal Project aims to replace the aging underground water, storm water and sewer fixtures with new ones and modernize the streetscape above. The project is under construction on Main Street and a portion of 10th Street to update those systems, blocking off some portions of the street and restricting traffic flow.
According to the website Renew LYH, the Main Street Renewal Project will “replace aging waterlines, update streetscape features on Main Street and 10th Street and modernize the underground electrical system to improve reliability and provide for future development.” The entire project is estimated to be completed within 24 to 27 months, with the goal of finishing all construction before Thanksgiving 2021.
Appalachian Power Company is working with the city of Lynchburg on this project replacing 100-year-old underground electrical infrastructure. The aging invisible network of electricity systems that run under the city will be removed and a new network will be installed, according to Renew LYH.
“This capital improvement project will not only improve the quality and reliability of the electric service, but also will allow for faster restoration times when power outages do occur,” the website said.
Construction began Sep. 16 of this year. The 800th block of Main Street saw the first construction near the intersection of Eighth Street and Main Street. Work will move down Main Street towards the intersection of 12th Street and Main Street.
IMPROVEMENT — Beautification of the streetscape and added crosswalks are some of the projects in progress in the downtown area.
Though the majority of the focus is on Main Street, a portion of 10th Street will be part of the construction zone as well. Other than that, construction will stay confined to Main Street.
The parts of Main Street visible to citizens will also be getting an update. Part of the project will be dedicated to beautifying the streetscape.
According to Renew LYH, new trees and plants will be added, brick sidewalks will be installed and historical streetlights will be put in.
The facelift for Main Street will benefit pedestrians especially, said Jim Talian, special projects manager for the city. Crosswalks are one of the features that will be added. Bus shelters, plazas with seating options and new sidewalks are among other additions.
Redesigned parking lots and loading zones will be other notable benefits that people can enjoy when visiting the city.
“The construction will also be beneficial to businesses and customers,” Talian said.
Talian encouraged students to keep visiting the city of Lynchburg in the midst of the construction, noting that construction is not something that happens every day.