BUCKHANNON — Recent curb and sidewalk improvements will offer pedestrians and property protection from errant vehicles. The City of Buckhannon Streets Department continued work this week on N. Florida Street and Traders Alley.
The North Florida Street paving project will widen the street from 26 to 30-32 feet, install curbs between the street and sidewalks, and add new sidewalk access ramps with ADA accessibility features. The new curbs will protect residents’ property by preventing vehicles from tearing up yards, while also protecting pedestrians and ensuring that the sidewalk right-of-way remains clear for walking.
The Traders’ Alley project is nearing completion, with just one segment of sidewalk yet to be installed. This portion of the project cannot proceed until telephone and internet lines are relocated to the new utility pole, which is positioned outside of the sidewalk’s path. Once the sidewalk is complete, the Streets Department will begin paving the alley from Main Street to Jawbone Park. The Traders Alley Arts District will be further enhanced when the retaining wall is spruced up through a partnership with Mr. John Moss, the adjacent property owner.
Both projects contribute to the Elizabeth J. “Binky” Poundstone Riverwalk Trail system, which connects downtown Main Street to Riverwalk, Jawbone and North Buckhannon Riverfront Parks. The system also creates a network of pedestrian sidewalks and bike-friendly trails for commuting, recreation, and business accessibility. These projects are aligned with the Complete Streets initiative of the Buckhannon 2025 Planning documents, which provide that our city’s street planning and design “help encourage safe and active transportation, decrease pollution, and reduce the incidence of health-related and social issues within the community.”
The City of Buckhannon Streets Department maintains 26 miles of streets, 19 miles of sidewalks, seven parking lots, and the River Walk & River View trails, equaling 3,800,000 square feet of paved surface in streets and 400,000 square feet in sidewalks. This considerable infrastructure attracts residents, businesses, and tourists to the City, increasing quality of life and enhancing the local economic environment. Maintaining this vital infrastructure requires a considerable financial commitment, but the benefits far outweigh the investment. Afterall, where would we be without our streets, sidewalks, trails, and parks?
