Troy leaders review $9.8 million downtown streetscape plan including modern roundabout and utility replacements

City staff and consultants on Tuesday presented schematic designs for a downtown streetscape, safety and utilities project in Troy that they estimate at about $9.8 million and would replace failing sidewalks and underground water and storm lines, shorten crosswalks at the square and convert the existing traffic circle into a single-lane modern roundabout.

The presentation, led by Dan Holling, project manager for engineering firm LJB, and joined by designers from MKSK and Grama Miller, outlined proposed changes to curb lines, crosswalk geometry, parking layouts and landscaping and described a phased construction schedule that would limit work downtown during spring and early summer festival months.

Consultants said the primary goals are improving pedestrian safety, upgrading underground utilities that have reached their useful life and preserving downtown vibrancy while maintaining access for deliveries and larger vehicles. "Some of the things that we've recommended is converting the traffic circle to a modern roundabout," LJB project manager Dan Holling said, adding the design narrows the circulating roadway with a truck apron so passenger vehicles control speeds while still allowing tractor trailers to pass when necessary.

Why it matters: Much of the subsurface water infrastructure downtown is more than a century old, and consultants said replacing mains and reworking storm drainage would address recurring maintenance risks and make it easier for property owners to add future fire sprinklers or other building upgrades while the street is open. The city would assess property owners only for new plain concrete sidewalk work (and associated access doors or vents inside the work limits); other streetscape and utility costs would be paid by the city.

Key details and timeline - Limits and scope: Project area runs roughly from Cherry Street to Mulberry (east-west) and Franklin Street to Water Street (north-south), including the square and its four quadrants. Work emphasizes reconstruction of curbs, sidewalks and underground utility infrastructure. - Roundabout changes: The design keeps the square as a…