PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Pearl Street Streetscape Improvements will occur on the blocks between Winooski Avenue and Saint Paul Street. The project was initiated to improve pedestrian accessibility on the north side of Pearl Street, where the sidewalk was too narrow to have sidewalk plows operate and too narrow for anyone using a wheelchair. On a larger scale, the project will continue the look and feel of Church Street onto Pearl Street. The project is being funded by the City with coordination from the Vermont Agency of Transportation, allowing the City's funds to leverage significant improvements to the Church Street Marketplace in 2012.
The conceptual plan that was favored by the public and approved by the Public Works Commission allows the sidewalk on the north side to widened, the sidewalk on the south side to be narrowed, bike lanes to be added in both directions, parallel parking to remain on both sides, pedestrian crossings to be shortened and improved with better markings and lighting, signals upgraded to be more efficient, and amenities added to improve the streetscape experience.
STATUS
The streetscape improvements will be completed in two phases:
Phase I began in fall 2011 on the north side of Pearl Street from St. Paul Street to North Winooski Avenue. The work included the relocation of some catch basins, new curbs, and wider sidewalks for the north side. During the spring of 2012, work will begin on the south side on Pearl Street and will include new curbs and sidewalks. In addition to the standard sidewalks and curbs, cobblestone pavers and trees will be added. This work is scheduled to begin mid-April and be completed in early June, and all work will be completed by city crews.
Phase II will go out to bid in late January / early February 2012 and will include the Pearl and Church Street intersection. The intersection will be shortened with bumpouts on the north and south sides of the intersection, including new sidewalks and granite curbing. This work is scheduled to begin in mid-June and will be completed in early August. This section of Pearl Street will be paved shortly after the intersection work is completed, and all work is scheduled to be finished by Memorial Day 2012.