West Main project underway after years of planning, funding challenges

Apr. 17—GENEVA — The first day of changed traffic patterns on West Main Street got underway on Tuesday morning with motorists figuring out the best way to navigate their day-to-day business.

Traffic is blocked eastbound, while westbound traffic will be open throughout the project.

The long-awaited project is scheduled to last 18 months and includes the replacement of infrastructure under the road and removal of old trolley lines buried in the street.

It also involves the replacement of much of the underground utility network, according to Geneva officials.

The project has been discussed for nearly a decade and funding was finally secured late in 2023. Inflation costs made the project impossible to fund in 2022 and early 2023, but the city secured a major grant to make it possible.

Early on Tuesday afternoon, seven cars were backed up near Swan Street as trucks moved cement to a waiting dump truck. They were quickly waved through to the westbound traffic.

Construction workers waved vehicles from Swan Street onto West Main Street.

City leaders and construction company administration made clear this will be a long project and involve some challenges for residents and motorists.

Geneva City Manager Joseph Varckette and Geneva City Council members had a recent meeting for the public to explain the project and what it will mean to residents navigating the area. Varckette has continually explained the length and depth of the project.

Fabrizi Construction will be handling the day-to-day work and Mannick & Smith Group will be the overall construction manager.