Starkville Secures $1.1 Million for Spring Street Connector Project

Categories: Breaking NewsGovernment NewsNews

Improving safety and accessibility on Spring Street.

News Summary

Starkville is thrilled to announce that it has secured $1.1 million in funding for the Spring Street connector project, aiming to improve safety and accessibility. The project will transform Spring Street, reducing lanes to create bike and scooter lanes, while also ensuring better pedestrian access with repaired and expanded sidewalks. The first phase is expected to finish in 2023, with construction projected to begin in 2026. This development underscores Starkville’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and promoting a more walker-friendly environment.

Exciting Changes on the Horizon for Starkville!

Starkville is buzzing with excitement as the city has recently scored $1.1 million in funding for the next phase of the eagerly anticipated Spring Street connector project! This funding was approved during a board of aldermen meeting held on a Tuesday and, believe it or not, there was no discussion needed. Just like that, the city is moving forward!

What’s the Plan?

City Engineer Cody Burnett has laid out some impressive plans that will make our streets safer and more accessible. The project will transform Spring Street, reducing it from four passing lanes to two while adding a brand-new middle turning lane. Sounds good, right? Currently, this busy stretch between Highway 12 and South Montgomery Street sees a whopping 28,000 cars per day, which is a lot of traffic. The changes aim to not just smoothen the driving experience but also promote a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

Enhancing Safety for Everyone

Safety is a top priority with this project. The connector aims to address growing safety concerns for pedestrians who navigate this bustling area. The specific range of the project will cover Spring Street from Russell Street all the way to Highway 12, which is conveniently located near popular spots like Chick-Fil-A. The plans include the removal of a traffic lane to create space specifically for bike and scooter lanes on both sides of the road, making it easier for everyone to get around.

Improvements for Pedestrians

But that’s not all! Pedestrian access will significantly improve as sidewalks are set to be repaired and expanded to align with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The sidewalks will be proposed at a comfortable width of 5 to 6 feet, allowing for a smooth stroll. No more cramped sidewalks; it’s time to enjoy a walk!

What’s Coming Next?

The first phase, which focuses on the Highway 12 intersection, is on course to finish in 2023, and we can hardly wait. The second phase of the project has recently received bids that, unfortunately, came in at 14% over budget. This news has prompted the city to enter into another bidding process, but that’s not a setback; it’s just part of making sure everything is perfect!

Funding and Contributions

Now, let’s talk about the numbers. The $1.1 million grant is part of federal funding distributed through the Transportation Alternatives Program, which generously covers 80% of the project costs. That means the city needs to chip in at least 20% ($220,000) towards the project. Once all the funding is secured, we will dive right into the design phase, which will be managed by Garver Engineering. The hold-up for the design review by the state could take about a year, but don’t fret—construction is projected to kick off in the summer or fall of 2026!

The Bigger Picture

Alongside this exciting project, the board of aldermen has also approved a $30,000 annual payment to Golden Triangle Regional Airport to repay a loan for acquiring 109 acres of land adjacent to the airport. This repayment plan is set to stretch over 10 years, showcasing a commitment to enhancing Starkville’s infrastructure.

Wrapping It Up

Overall, it looks like Starkville is gearing up to become a more accessible and walker-friendly city thanks to the Spring Street connector project. With improvements in safety, traffic flow, and pedestrian access, residents can look forward to a brighter, more connected future!