NEWS INFORMATION FROM |
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THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED |
FOR IMMEDIATE USE |
STATE STREET IMPROVEMENT WORK CREATES SCENIC & PEDESTRIAN– FRIENDLY STREETSCAPE BETWEEN RIVERFRONT AND CAPITOL COMPLEX;Mayor Stephen R. Reed and officials from the state Dept. of Transportation today dedicated the newly-completed streetscape improvements made to the 100 and 200 blocks of historic State Street, which have been completed in time for the majestic Capitol Building’s Centennial Celebration underway this week. Reed said the $2.6 million project has dramatically improved the appearance of the signature gateway to the Capitol, and provides better vehicular and pedestrian flow through the scenic two-block section of State Street that extends from the State Capitol Building to Kunkel Plaza at the Harrisburg waterfront. “The State Street Improvement Project has dramatically enhanced the views and streetscape of what is truly one of our most historic streets,” said the Mayor. “The new parking and traffic flow lanes will make it easier and safer to park, and pedestrians will find it much easier to navigate. Views of the Capitol Building are now unimpeded from Riverfront Park, making for a much more scenic streetscape.” The Mayor said the work involved the complete reconfiguration of traffic and parking lanes and the addition of many new amenities. Parking has been relocated from its previous center-island location to the north and south sides of the street, easing access to the adjoining buildings and making it safer to park and cross the street. New brick paver sidewalks have been added, replacing broken and cracked concrete sidewalks that previously existed, and lighting has been improved and upgraded with the installation of new antique streetlights better suited for the historic streetscape. New parking meters, crosswalks and other improvements have been added as well. A major element of the project was the relocation of trees from the center island, which largely blocked the views of the Capitol Building and many of which were diseased or dying. New trees, better suited for the urban environment and lower and slower growing, have now been planted along the curb sides of the street. Low-rise shrubbery, bushes and flowers are being planted in the newly- constructed center island. Reed said funding for the $2.63 million project came from a variety of sources, including the City of Harrisburg, the Federal Highway Administration’s Hometown Streets Program, the state Dept. of Transportation’s Transportation Enhancement Program and matching funds from the state Department of General Services’s Certificate of Participation grant program. Engineering and design work was provided by Brinjac Engineers and H. Edward Black and Associates, with Rogele Construction serving as General Contractor following public bidding. Electrical work was performed by Mitchell’s Electric Services. |
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