Major construction on a downtown Galesburg revitalization project along Simmons Street is now complete, with the roadway and adjacent city parking lot reopening late last week.
The remaining aesthetic finishing touches for the streetscape beautification project between Kellogg and Prairie streets will be completed with the roadway and parking lot open, minimizing future disruptions. That work includes landscaping and the installation of a pedestrian canopy, bike racks, benches, and trash receptacles.
The streetscape and parking lot revitalization project is supported by a Rebuild Illinois Downtown and Main Streets grant, meant to make the downtown more accessible and welcoming. Construction began in March and included staged closures of cross streets.
“We are proud of the progress and look forward to delivering the final, transformative touches — on schedule — before the construction season wraps up,” said Director of Public Works Aaron Gavin in a release.
Work already completed on the Simmons Street project between Prairie and Kellogg streets includes asphalt resurfacing, new ADA-compliant sidewalks, curb and gutter upgrades, storm sewer improvements, and decorative lighting.
The city of Galesburg applied for additional grant funding to extend the project one block east and one block west.
The Monmouth project
A streetscape beautification project on the public square in downtown Monmouth is also substantially completed.
The Monmouth project, supported by a Rebuild Illinois grant, improves the aesthetics and functionality of the public square, adding more parking, streamlining traffic to one lane, and making it more pedestrian-friendly.
Traffic around the public square reopened last week following a closure for asphalting and milling, with work on the four quadrants also completed.
The city of Monmouth received an additional grant to extend the beautification project one block north and south of the square.
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