Construction begins on Hornell Main Street project. How it will impact travel, businesses
Major changes are coming to Hornell’s Main Street, and the city is wasting no time getting started.
The city announced Thursday that work is starting this week on the Streetscapes, Alleyways, Wayfinding and Public Art project, which promises to change the face of Main Street.
“2024 will be a year of construction in the city,” said Mayor John Buckley. “The sidewalk replacement is the largest component of the downtown project, but you also have the alleyway improvements, the wayfinding and public art.”
The work follows on the heels of the city's Union Square Park project, completed last fall.
Where and when is the work scheduled?
The city said the sidewalk replacements will be staggered in four phases to minimize disruptions to businesses and residents in the Main Street and Broadway areas.
Phase 1, from March 4 to May 17, will cover the south side of Main Street from the Burger King parking lot to the Broadway Mall, wrapping around the west side of Broadway.
Phase 2 covers the north side of Main Street from Route 36 to Church Street, plus the east side of the Broadway Mall. Phase 2 is slated for May 20 to July 24.
The schedule for those initial two phases was flip-flopped Thursday after officials inspected basements on Main Street and discovered a collection of basements on the north side of the street extend out under the sidewalks.
"We'll need to have a structural engineer come in and look at it and figure out how best to address that," said Buckley, "but we will keep on schedule."
Phase 3, from July 25 to Oct. 8, covers from Broadway to Center Street on the south side of Main Street.
Phase 4, from Oct. 9 to Dec. 24, covers the north side of Main Street from Church Street just past Hakes Avenue.
All dates are estimations, depending on workflow. Crews will complete construction of each phase before moving on to the next. The project is expected to be wrapped up before the end of 2024.
How will businesses be impacted?
C.P. Ward Inc. was awarded a $2.9 million contract for the work. It will collaborate with all affected businesses to ensure regular customer access during construction. Businesses will remain accessible with minimal exceptions, according to the city. Temporary plywood walkways will be constructed through work zones.
Parking in construction areas will be restricted due to safety concerns. The city said efforts will be made to make handicap parking available in adjacent areas not currently under construction.
The city, C.P. Ward and LaBella Associates hosted an open house at the Community Arts Center this week to discuss the project, with a particular focus on outreach to the business community.
What will Main Street look like when the project is complete?
The project was funded through the city’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization award. The project aims to beautify the downtown area and make it more accessible through sidewalk replacement, additional electric, public art installation, the addition of benches, lighting enhancements and tree plantings.
Main Street will still feature diagonal parking when the project is completed. The city does not expect to lose any parking spaces, nor any sidewalk footage. The curbing will remain in place in its current location.
New bump outs are planned at the Church and Seneca Street intersections to make for safer and improved pedestrian crossing.
“It’s not often municipalities have the opportunity to replace sidewalks. This project will reshape, beautify, and improve our downtown and its accessibility,” said Buckley. “We appreciate all that C.P. Ward Inc. is doing to minimize the disruption. We also appreciate the patience and cooperation of residents and business owners during construction. We’re excited for the improvements and look forward to seeing the finished product.”
More: How can Hornell revitalize Community Arts Center? Groups present plan for new activities
How to view the plans
Large poster boards detailing the project can be viewed during business hours in the City Hall lobby, or at https://www.cityofhornell.com/planning-office
Main Street isn’t only Hornell construction zone
C.P. Ward is also currently at work on upgrades to Veterans Memorial Park at James Street, replacing basketball and tennis courts, and converting the baby pool into a splash pad. Plans are also in place to remodel the pool house with new bathrooms, lockers and HVAC upgrades.
City DPW crews have been adding additional playground equipment at the park over the winter.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Construction starts on Main Street Hornell: Timeline, business impact
