This project involved the design and reconstruction of the Village of New
Era's downtown district which regularly hosts bike trail users at the
halfway point on the adjacent Hart-Montague Bike Trail. Moore & Bruggink
assisted in preparing a feasibility study that was then used to assist the
Village in successful grant writing. The grant provided funds for
streetscape improvements to accompany road improvements to First Street,
the Old US-31.
The project was completed on schedule despite underground challenges and
coordination issues with utility companies. It has helped to improve the
quality of life for village citizens and has revitalized community pride.
The goals and outcomes of the project improvements:
Before
After
Improved entrance statement - changed an expanse of asphalt into a warm
green space to surround the village sign
Before
After
After
Improved pedestrian safety -
old cracked, sunken narrow sidewalks were replaced with wider colored,
stamped concrete that is cheaper to construct and maintain than brick
pavers
Before
After
Before
After
Improved safety - traffic
bumpouts provide marked crosswalks/parking control/traffic calming, new
lighting improves visibility
Increased green space - new
trees, plantings and irrigation soften the previous sea of asphalt
Improved aesthetics - aerial
lines were removed and overall downtown appearance freshened to further
encourage building owners to improve building facades
