By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
OLEAN — Phase III of Walkable Olean — East State Street from North Union Street to East Avenue — got underway Monday, Mayor Bill Aiello said.
“The signage is up,” the mayor said Monday afternoon. “They’re getting ready to work.”
The part of the $3 million project that is drawing the most public attention is the plan for a mini roundabout at East State and Barry Streets.
“It was shaky when we first put them (roundabouts) in,” in the first phase of Walkable Olean on North Union Street, the mayor said. “They are safe and they work pretty well.”
The mini roundabout at East State and Barry is smaller and designed so tractor-trailers can go over them, Aiello said.
Few people attended public meetings to discuss Walkable Olean III, the mayor noted.
Besides the roundabout and street resurfacing, the project includes resurfacing East State Street between North Union Street and East Avenue near the bridge over Olean Creek. There are also limited storm water drainage improvements planned and new sidewalks.
Aiello said a Shared Youth Path is part of the project, which will bring foot traffic from Lincoln Park, across to the North side of East State Street to the bridge. There the walkway will connect to War Veterans Park or to the trail to Jamestown Community College.
Besides the monetary costs, much of which are covered by state grants, the project will bring dust and significant traffic delays. The project is scheduled to be completed by this November.
City officials encourage motorists to take alternate routes to avoid construction if possible. Detours have been marked.
Some side streets will be closed enduring construction, and sidewalks will be similarly closed.
“After the dust settles and the project is finished, I think people will like it,” Aiello said.
In the meantime, expect some delays.
