The city of Akron has officially begun work on Phase 1 of its Main St. Corridor renovation project, which officials hope will attract more visitors to a revitalized downtown.
The $31 million effort, which kicked off on July 9, will see crews make improvements along the South Main corridor width between Cedar and Mill Streets "from building face to building face." This will include new pavements and sidewalks, a bike track, upgraded underground utilities and traffic lights, smart LED lights, a roundabout at Main and Mill, and a complete rebuild of the State St. bridge.
"Once completed, the revitalized Downtown Promenade will breathe new life into our urban core, attract new investment to our city, revitalize our public spaces, and better link the amenities on Main Street to adjacent downtown neighborhoods," Mayor Dan Horrigan said in a statement.
Phase 1, which is being partially funded through two federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants, is expected to be completed in 2020. Phase 2 will begin shortly afterward, and will include improvements along Main up to Route 59.
