A long-awaited reconstruction project in Uptown Marion is slated to begin on July 13, 2021. Work is expected to begin in the 1200 block of 7th Avenue and proceed westerly. Detours will be posted for through traffic, but all businesses remain open.
“Uptown Marion is about to get an impressive upgrade,” said Brooke Prouty, director of the Uptown Marion District and business liaison for the project. “We know construction can be challenging, but we are doing everything we can to minimize disruptions to businesses and want to complete a quality project in a timely fashion. While customers might have to walk an extra block or two during construction, I assure you, Uptown Marion is worth the walk.”
The project includes the reconstruction of the street and sidewalks and replacement of underground utilities, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water main on 7th Avenue and adjacent side streets between 8th and 12th Streets and 6th and 8th Avenues in the historic central business district. It also includes the addition of a plaza on 11th Street that stretches from the Uptown Artway south across 7th Avenue.
Work is expected to span two construction seasons.
Initial estimates show a total project cost of $6.9 million, which is being funded by Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) proceeds and bonding through the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Rathje Construction will be completing the project.
Those interested in keeping informed of the progress are encouraged to sign up for the 7th Avenue Streetscape/Plaza Project eUpdate.
Learn more about the project at www.cityofmarion.org/7thAveStreetscape.