Prepping and Painting

As the (final) Stage 5 of Renew the Avenue continues to unfold, the focus is increasingly expanding from ground-level-and-below to well-above-ground with painting, planting and lighting projects.

1. A refreshed viaduct. Residents and businesses adjacent to the train embankment received advance notice that tented high-pressure spraying was taking place overnight this week to remove old paint layers and grit. (Debris was then cleaned and removed during early-morning hours to close the bridge to pedestrian access facilitating a safe work environment) Priming and painting the steel and concrete abutment begins today and will continue through early next week.

2. What’s this? Truncated domes are raised, textured pads installed along sidewalks and curb ramps in the Oak Park Avenue construction area. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), these provide a physical and visual warning to pedestrians with visual impairments that they are transitioning from a safe sidewalk into an active area for vehicles. ‘Domes’ can be felt through the soles of shoes or detected with a white cane. They mark the exact point where a level sidewalk starts sloping toward the street. You also see them near bus boarding areas and at train/subway stations.

3. Beginning Nov. 2, two-way traffic is coming to North Boulevard. Watch for updated maps and driving instructions in next week’s issue.

Poster image for On the Road Again event

And one more thing: save the date — Saturday, Nov. 14!

As construction winds down, the Hemingway District is planning a full-day ‘On The Road Again’ community block party to showcase the rejuvenated roads and sidewalks. The preview event will run from 8 am – 8 pm and features classic cars, live music, shopper specials, and kids’ activities.

Please feel free to contact the project team at any time and check the Renew the Avenue website for project updates.