The city of Akron will host an informational session at the downtown library later this month to update the public on $14.5 million in upgrades planned over the next two years for Main Street.
The downtown corridor project is funded in part by a $5 million federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant. The project includes a roundabout at the intersection of Mill and Main streets and rehabbing the State Street bridge between Main and Water streets.
Along with addressing uneven sidewalks, limited parking, poor road conditions and more, the plan will shrink Main Street to one lane in each direction with a turning lane and space for on-street bus stops and parallel parking. In addition, coordinated traffic signals will be installed.
A cycle track connected to the nearby Towpath Trail, new sidewalks and lighting and sidewalk cafes will be designed to spruce up the area in Phase I of the Downtown Vision and Redevelopment Plan.
The full menu of projects will be up for public discussion during an open house presentation from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 26 at the Akron Summit County Main Library, 60 S. High St. The meeting is largely informational with construction plans not likely to change.
“This project is going to modernize and beautify Main Street and transform the downtown experience for pedestrians and motorists,” Mayor Dan Horrigan said. “Our goals with this innovative project are to improve the traffic flow for motorists, update our traffic signals, leverage technology in an efficient way and make Main Street more welcoming and accessible for pedestrians and bicyclists.”
For parking, a smaller bridge deck will be constructed along State Street with a separated pedestrian/bike deck on the existing steel beams.
Questions, comments and concerns may be emailed by May 29 to CJonke@akronohio.gov or mailed to Christine Jonke with the Akron Engineering Bureau at 166 S. High St., Design Division Room 701, Akron, OH 44308.
The public meeting is standard procedure for the engineering department.
Mayor Horrigan said he wanted to speak directly on the project since it will have a dramatic impact on the look and feel of downtown.