Sidewalks Getting a Major Facelift in Downtown Salem

Sidewalk in front of The Reed Opera House Photo By: Kevin Hays

(SALEM) - The city of Salem is proceeding with the construction of new sidewalk improvements in three downtown locations.

New sidewalks are being laid in parts of downtown Salem and city officials say they appreciate the patience of drivers and shoppers as they endeavor to create what will be in the end, a much improved downtown pedestrian area.

The new construction is being performed as part of the Downtown Streetscape Improvement Program which has been in place since 1985.

The locations receiving new streetscape improvements are:

The Reed Opera House, 189 Liberty St. NE, The Salem Arts Building, located at 155 Liberty St. NE, The Grand Hotel and Grand Theater, 181 -191 High St. NE,

Ira`s Bowling Alley, 525-545 Ferry St. SE.

City officials say the construction activities that will be occurring include demolition of existing curb, gutter, and sidewalk, filling of basement vault areas, construction of new concrete sidewalks, some street paving, overlay work and installation of pedestrian and street lighting.

Parking, pedestrian sidewalk access, and business access will experience periods of disruption. Efforts will be made to keep this disruption to a minimum

Additionally there is planned reconstruction of failing tile on areas of existing streetscape. The planned reconstruction for these areas is removal of failed and deteriorating tiled sidewalk and replacement with concrete. The reconstruction of failing tile in areas of existing streetscape will be occurring throughout the downtown area.

Construction Schedule:

For areas north of State Street this reconstruction work is scheduled to begin by July 1st if the necessary funds are available, and be completed by September 30th, 2006. For areas south of State Street this reconstruction work is scheduled to be completed by July 30th.

Construction Activities:

The reconstruction of existing streetscape is requiring demolition of the tiled areas of sidewalk requiring temporary relocation of street furniture and planters. The reconstruction work will occur on one half of a sidewalk at a time, allowing the other half to remain open for pedestrian and business access