PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate Release
July 26, 2022
RAILROAD STREET SIDEWALK,
DRAINAGE PROJECT STARTS
Construction has started on a $527,000 project to correct drainage problems and install sidewalks along Railroad Street in Brookings.
“This is a major sidewalk infill project along both sides of Railroad that will improve pedestrian safety and accessibility,” said Mayor Ron Hedenskog. The project will also install and upgrade storm drain lines in the area to resolve period street flooding.
Hedenskog said that street and drainage improvements in the downtown area and along Railroad have been a major focus of the City’s Urban Renewal Agency (URA) for more than a decade. This project will complete the pedestrian corridor from Oak Street to Mill Beach Road.
“We have been able to patch together funding from a variety of sources for downtown street improvements, including local Fuel Tax revenue, grant funds and property tax received through the URA,” Hedenskog said.
Director of Community Development/Public Works Tony Baron said that there may be traffic diversions and delays during the course of construction, which is expected to conclude the end of September. The City contracted with McLennan Excavation Inc. of Brookings to do the work through a competitive bidding process.
“Materials cost increase, and supply chain delays for things like pipe and fire hydrants are challenging our ability to keep up with and pay for the street improvement program approved by the City Council,” City Manager Pro Tem Gary Milliman noted.
More street and sidewalk improvement work is planned for this fall.
