Downtown Construction: Center Islands

According to an article published by the City in June, Main Street construction between Center & Lima Streets will be completed by late November, 2017. In addition to the current construction work, landscaping and irrigation will fill the bump-outs, and lines will be painted on a new layer of blacktop. New sound systems and signs will also be installed to complete the $3.35 million dollar downtown enhancement. (funded by a state grant and donation by Marathon Petroleum Co.)
Currently, most corner bump-outs are partially completed; some are filled with loosely-laid topsoil while others are still large holes. While progress is being made on the bump-outs, another aspect of the project has begun: a proposed 5 “Pedestrian Refuges.”  As the asphalt crews complete paving the curb lanes and intersections, traffic has been switched from the center lanes to the outside lanes, so that work can start on the center islands per COF’s last update. These center islands will be located halfway between one side of the street to the other. They will exist at 5 new mid-block pedestrian crossings. According to the City’s June article, “Pedestrians using the crosswalk will have the right of way.”
[bscolumns class=”one_half”]

[/bscolumns][bscolumns class=”one_half_last_clear”]  

[/bscolumns][bscolumns class=”clear”][/bscolumns] The refuges and bump-outs are designed to slow down traffic on Main Street in an attempt to be a more pedestrian friendly area. “This is definitely going to look good and improve the overall quality of life for those who live, work and play downtown,” explained Findlay Mayor Lydia Mihalik to The Courier. “It will completely transform the downtown, making it pleasant and safe, which is the original intent. Downtown will be a destination, not a way to pass through.”
 
 

“Pedestrian Refuges” are circled in red; “bump-outs” are circled in yellow:

Approximate location of bump-outs (yellow) and pedestrian refuge/mid-block crossing (red) in 300-block of S. Main St.

One reader asked Social Findlay if downtown Findlay will still be able to host parades. A call to the mayor’s office confirmed that they will indeed continue. When vehicles and participants reach the center islands, they will have to maneuver around them to the east or west.
************************
An article published by The Courier in June discusses the project.
An Article published by the City of Findlay  in July discusses the project.
City of Findlay recent project update on October 10th.