Kewanee residents will soon see work beginning on three major public works projects in the city.
Chris Berry, the city’s public works director, said contractors will start within a few weeks on the West Sixth Street restoration, the downtown improvements and a new street next to Central School.
On the schedule are:
— The West Sixth Street project, where the work will be done from Lexington Avenue to Union Street.
“We will be breaking ground on that project around Labor Day,” Berry said.
The work will include a path for bicycles and walkers along the north side of the street, as well as retaining walls and new curbs at intersections.
Repaving the street is planned for next year.
Earlier this year the City Council approved a $1.5 million project to install new water mains in the West Sixth Street area.
The Sixth Street project will be starting late in the construction season, but Berry said the contractor should have “a good two months” to work.
— The long-delayed downtown revitalization program has hit another delay, but Kewaneeans should see that work starting within a couple of weeks.
Earlier this summer the council approved a contract for new parking areas, curbs, sidewalks and lighting in the 100 and 200 blocks of North Main Street, the 100 block of West Second Street and the 200 block of North Tremont Street.
At the time, the plan was for work to begin in mid-July. But Berry said the contractor encountered delays in lining up materials and subcontractors. Now, he said, that work is set to start on Aug. 10.
— The 200 block of South Elm Street, which runs along the east side of the Central School property, will be resurfaced and get new curbs. Berry said the city has received three bids from contractors for that job.
Despite the late start, he said, the project should be finished by Halloween.
