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Council hears update on Loudoun Avenue streetscape; right-of-way work set before construction, drainage fixes tied to park opening
Summary
City staff described the Loudoun Avenue streetscape project scope and timeline: right-of-way/construction easements phase next (roughly nine months), construction funding and start hoped for next summer, and limited drainage improvements tied to speed-table work will be pursued so some fixes can be completed before a nearby park opens.
Councilmembers on June 24 heard a progress update on the Loudoun Avenue streetscape project and related drainage work tied to a nearby park opening.
Councilmember Lagree asked Director Burton for details about the project. Burton said the project will add sidewalks where none exist, add bike lanes, improve sidewalks and install a median to slow traffic on a wide street with heavy pedestrian use. "Our next phase is the right-of-way phase," Burton said, adding that the city is seeking construction easements (not fee-simple property purchases) to give contractors room to work. Burton estimated the right-of-way phase could take about nine months and said the city hopes to secure construction funding and start construction next summer, pending funding.
On drainage, Burton told the council the team will attempt to make some historic drainage improvements while crews are working on speed tables and related roadway improvements. He cautioned the drainage work is limited in scope: "It won't fix all the drainage problems because that's a much bigger project than what we have time for," Burton said, but noted that doing limited fixes while lanes are closed for roadway work would be beneficial. Councilmember Reynolds followed up and the director said the project team aims to complete the work before the park opens.
Why it matters: The streetscape changes are intended to improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities and to calm traffic. Coordinating limited drainage fixes with roadway work may reduce repeated disruptions and address some known localized flooding issues ahead of the park opening.
Next steps: Proceed with right-of-way/construction easement work, pursue construction funding, and coordinate drainage materials and scheduling with the contractor where feasible.
