Pavement Reconstruction and Streetscape Improvements

This Locally Administered Federal Aid (LAFA) project included structural, pedestrian, and aesthetic improvements to a key urban business corridor in Elmira, New York. The project included pavement reconstruction; new water main, sanitary sewer, lighting, traffic signals, and closed drainage system design; and sidewalk reconstruction along West Water Street, between College Avenue and Carl Proper Drive. Streetscape elements included curb bumpouts, median islands, and various landscape elements to increase safety for pedestrians and add aesthetic elements to provide a destination for residents and visitors. 

Specific project features include a minimum 5-foot-wide sidewalk with a 4- to 5-foot stamped concrete setback provided for snow storage between the sidewalk and the edge of the pavement or curb. Where necessary, due to grading or ROW limitations, a 5-foot-wide sidewalk with a 2-foot grass strip adjacent to the curb was provided.

As part of the improvements, adjoining buildings that had basement areaways extending below the new sidewalks were improved. Serviceable areaways were retrofitted to be retained below the new sidewalks, while deteriorated and unused areaways were detailed for abandonment by removing the majority of the foundation walls, closing up the access from the primary basement areas, and filling the voided space with structural fill.

Erdman Anthony also performed construction inspection and provided support services for this project.

Awards

Transportation Project of the Year Award

Central New York Branch of the American Public Works Association (APWA)