(Video) Update for Marion's Central Corridor Project

Holy cow! There is an overwhelming amount of construction in Marion.

We've all had to learn creative ways to drive around the massive construction project that is the Marion Central Corridor Project, but it's hard to tell exactly what is going on and how much construction is left.

Luckily, the and Anderson Bogart, the engineering firm in charge of much of the project, have provided an update on the construction's progress.

For a video update of the progress, check out a video shot by Anderson Bogart above.

A description of the progress provided by the architects of the project can be read below:

Paving Continues in the Corridor: Concrete was poured in many locations this week as mainline paving began between the Marion Public Library and City Park.

Additional sidewalks and ramps were completed in the 10^th Street intersection and the concrete walls to the new infiltration beds are nearing completion. The south side of City Park is quickly taking on a new look.

Pavement is complete on the first set of stairs at the west end of the park. Brick will now be installed in the middle landing of these stairs. Work continues on the "cheek" walls or side walls on both the center and east stairs. The restoration of the limestone wall is also producing the first visual results.

The initial section of the wall was rebuilt this week using only five new stones (SEE THE PROGRESS HERE). Elsewhere in the project this week, asphalt was placed in the remaining sections of the 900 block (near 10^th St) in preparation for the final pieces of street brick. Pavement markings are now in place near the 9^th Street intersection. In lieu of traditional paint, thermal plastic tape is being used in order to provide a sharper, cleaner, and longer lasting finished product.

The first two tiers of the new limestone screen wall along the library parking lot were also placed. Final details will be wrapped up over the next week in preparation for the opening of the 10^th Street intersection. Remaining sidewalk ramps will be poured, traffic signal poles will be placed, and an asphalt overlay along 10^th Street to transition from the existing brick to the new pavement will be paved. Please keep in mind that this asphalt is designed as a temporary solution until additional improvements take place on 10^th Street in future years.

At this time contractors anticipate opening this intersection by Monday, August 20^th. Other tasks that may take place this week include sidewalk paving adjacent to the Marion Public Library, completion of storm sewer in the 1100 block, and preparation for additional roadway paving in the 1000 block.    Work is now occurring in Stages 1-4. Contractors have used approximately 51 of the allowed 100 working days. 

REMINDER: City Park Access for Uptown Getdown: A marked pedestrian crossing will be available at the intersection of 6^th Avenue & 11^thStreet for people accessing Marion City Park for Thursday night's Uptown Getdown. Please utilize the designated crossing in this area.  

City Council Passes Modification to East-End Alignment: On Thursday, July 26, 2012, the Marion City Council adopted a modification of the Marion Central Corridor Road Alignment. The updated alignment removes a proposed north/south connection at 27^th Street and adds an additional roundabout to the project. With construction of Phase 1 now underway (6^th Avenue from 8^th St. to 13^th St.), a significant number of inquiries have been made regarding redevelopment opportunities along the East-End of the corridor (22^nd St. to 31^st St.).  As a result, additional study of this area has taken place.  In cooperation with private developers, land owners, and engineering consultants, city staff recommended this modification to the current alignment. This alignment will better accommodate proposed redevelopment projects and enhance the connectivity with the existing 7^th Avenue.