Clovis to add bulb-outs, underground power and speakers in downtown ‘Great Blocks Grama’ overhaul

City staff described a package of street, sidewalk and lighting changes planned for downtown Clovis under a project called Great Blocks Grama, saying the work will narrow vehicle lanes, add pedestrian crossings and move overhead power underground.

“It's called Great Blocks Grama, and it's through New Mexico Main Street,” Justin, a city staff member who presented the plan, told the board, saying the project is largely grant-funded. “We're also relocating all the overhead power lines … that is going all underground now.”

Officials said the scope includes corner bulb-outs and mid-block bulb-outs to shorten pedestrian crossings and slow traffic, new irrigation and landscaping, a revised striping plan that returns parallel curbside parking and removes the center two-way left-turn lane in some blocks to allow for angled parking, and decorative poles to serve both street and sidewalk lighting. Justin said the poles will also include an audio system so the city can pipe music into the downtown area, although staff are still “figuring out what we have to do contractually to pipe in music.”

Nick Griego and Sons is the contractor on the first phase, which will begin at Seventh Street and work south, Justin said. The firm will complete work on one side of the street before switching to the other; staff said sections south of Seventh Street will operate with two traffic lanes during events such as parades.

“They're wanting to have a majority of the work completed by the Christmas parade,” Justin said, noting a tight schedule and that the landscaping timetable will depend on weather.

The project also had items cut during value engineering after bids were returned. Justin said plans to replace downtown furniture were removed from the current budget and could be pursued later if additional funding is found.

A board member observed crews uncovered unexpected material under the roadway during demolition. “They found concrete underneath. I noticed they were busting all that up,” the board member said; Justin confirmed unforeseen subsurface material was discovered and noted surprises are common in below-grade construction.

Why it matters: supporters said the changes are intended to slow traffic, improve pedestrian access and refresh the visual character of downtown; the work will affect parking and traffic patterns during construction and will require coordinated event planning for parades and other downtown events.

Staff did not provide a final ribbon-cutting date or an exact overall cost in the presentation. Additional phases north on Main Street were discussed as contingent on securing further funds.

Ending — next steps: staff said construction on the first three blocks will start soon, with subsequent blocks to follow as the contractor advances and as the city pursues additional funding to extend the project northward.