By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
OLEAN — As the East Street construction of Walkable Olean IIl continues, initial steps for construction on South Union Street are underway for Walkable Olean IV.
Millennium Construction, Buffalo, is the contractor for both projects.
Crews have been working on $3 million East State Street since early June. The most recent work involved excavating medians in the first block of East State Street. Those medians have had curbs added this week.
Soon, work will begin on the mini-roundabout at Barry Street. North Barry Street has been closed at East State Street to move utilities. The project continues east to East Avenue.
There are new sidewalks and curbing throughout the project. Last week, the East State Street entrances to the Olean Municipal Building were closed during removal and replacement of sidewalks.
The Olean Public Works Department said that the Walkable Olean would begin the day after Labor Day. Millennium crews began by locating and marking utilities along the route from East State Street to Franchot Boulevard. The project costs have risen to $3.9 million.
Walkable Olean III stretches from the roundabout at State and Union streets to East Avenue near the East State Street bridge over Olean Creek.
Millenium has until 2025 to complete the Walkable Olean IV contract that stretches along South Union Street from the roundabout at State and Union to Franchot Boulevard. Another roundabout will be constructed on South Union Street at Greene Street as part of the $3.7 million streetscape project.
The state Department of Transportation rejected the city’s request to have the state pave the roadway and the Common Council approved a $200,000 change order to add paving.
One-lane traffic has been required at different times during construction of Walkable Olean III. Expect the same for the South Union Street Project.
Millenium has until 2025 to complete the Walkable Olean IV contract that stretches along South Union Street from the roundabout at State and Union to Franchot Boulevard.
Another roundabout will be constructed on South Union Street at Greene Street as part of the $3.9 million streetscape project.
