The Prairie and Simmons street intersection is expected to reopen to traffic early to mid-this week, according to the City of Galesburg Department of Public Works.
The latest update, issued Friday, highlights progress on the Simmons Street project, with the west half of the parking lot paved and Stage 1 of Simmons Street nearly completed.
Final touches, including stamped colored sidewalks, manhole adjustments, and parking lot pavement markings, remain before the areas fully reopen. The intersection’s tentative reopening, weather permitting, will allow contractors to adjust four manholes, though it will initially use temporary stop signs as traffic signals are not yet installed.
The west half of the parking lot is slated to open mid to late next week, pending completion of pavement markings and adjustments to three additional manholes, providing access off Simmons Street. Stage 2 will then begin by closing the east half of the parking lot and the Kellogg Street intersection.
Director of Public Works Aaron Gavin tells WGIL he anticipates the entire project, including Stage 2, to wrap up by the end of September.
The $2.5 million project, funded by a $2.1 million Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets grant and $400,000 in local funds, covers Simmons Street between Prairie and Kellogg streets and the adjacent city parking lot at 235 E. Simmons.
The Prairie and Simmons intersection is receiving new curbs, ADA-compliant ramps, and sidewalks. Both this and the Kellogg intersection, upgraded in Stage 2, will feature “bump-out” curbs extending into the parking lane to narrow the street opening.
“This shortens crossing times for pedestrians and can slow traffic,” Gavin said, adding that bump-outs will include landscaping beds for visual appeal.
The project includes resurfaced asphalt, new ADA-compliant sidewalks, decorative lighting, landscaping, benches and trash receptacles, and a pedestrian canopy.
