The $17 million streetscape project in Downtown Mansfield has been in the planning stages for more than two years and is now moving into the implementation phase, with final plans submitted to the city and state authorities.
Thanks to the Mansfield Rising plan and partnering with K.E. McCartney and Associates (KEM), this project aims to revitalize the heart of the city, making it more pedestrian-friendly and enhancing its overall appeal.
A detailed and complex undertaking
With 516 detailed sheets of plans and countless hours of preparation, the project’s complexity is evident.
“Anytime you’re working in city limits, especially downtown with businesses, slopes, grades and utilities, there’s a lot to take into account,” KEM Director of Transportation Engineering Jason Burgholder said.
Construction will begin on Sixth Street, working in 60-75 day time periods before moving onto the next section until completion on First Street. The project will include new plazas, arches, lighting improvements and pedestrian walkways, all designed to create a more inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
One of the more challenging aspects of the streetscape project was coordinating the various elements, such as the fountain, lighting, irrigation and landscaping. This collaboration involved specialized sub-consultants from across the country, including experts from Georgia, Florida and Texas, all of whom brought unique skills and were recommended by surrounding communities.
“We had a good team,” said KEM Transportation Project Manager Jeremy Lay. “We were working until the deadline, but everyone worked very well together and everything got done on time.”
Impact on traffic and businesses
As each phase will be implemented in stages, the entire project is expected to be completed in about a year and a half. The phased approach is designed to minimize disruptions to businesses and traffic. For example, only one intersection will be closed at a time, and work on sidewalks will be restricted to one side of the street and sectioned.
“Maintaining access for deliveries and keeping businesses informed is a critical part of our planning,” Burgholder said. “Contractors will give at least two weeks notice to business owners before work begins in their area. This advance warning allows businesses to plan accordingly and minimize any potential disruptions.”
In addition to these features, new parking spaces will be created in strategic locations to accommodate deliveries and visitors. The project team has carefully considered the needs of local businesses, ensuring parking remains accessible and convenient.
“The streetscape project will have a catalytic effect on the downtown merchants by upgrading the built environment, enabling us to attract new businesses and customers,” CEO of Downtown Mansfield Jennifer Kime said. “The downtown has been rich in private development for over two decades but the public built environment has not kept the same pace. This project will not only create a more desirable and pleasant environment, but it will also encourage continued private investment.”
Enhancing the pedestrian experience
One primary goal of the streetscape project is to make Downtown Mansfield more pedestrian-friendly.
To achieve this, several “traffic calming” features will be introduced, including the addition of trees, brick crosswalks and “bump-outs”, where the curb curves in and a bulb-like object sticks out causing it to feel more constricted, at intersections. These design elements are intended to slow down traffic and create a safer environment for pedestrians.
“The idea is to make Main Street a destination, rather than just a thoroughfare,” Burgholder said. “By adding these visual cues, we hope to slow down drivers and encourage more foot traffic. These changes will make it easier for people to visit businesses and enjoy the downtown area without feeling rushed or unsafe.”
The goal is to push through traffic to Mulberry Street instead of Main Street. Lights on Mulberry Street going southbound have been timed, creating a faster, easier route than going through downtown, where lights will be accommodated to pedestrians rather than cars.
Funding updates
As of late July, funding had been met for the streetscape project, coming from 14 different sources.
Each funding source has restrictions on what can be used and constructed, ensuring each line item is designated accordingly is crucial.
“The funding we receive from the federal and state governments has strict guidelines on how it can be used,” City of Mansfield engineer Bob Biachi said. “If we don’t follow these guidelines, we risk losing our ability to secure funding for future projects.”
Looking Ahead
With final plans submitted and funding secured, the streetscape project is set to begin construction in early 2025. The project will be advertised for bidding in December 2024, and a contractor is expected to be selected in January 2025. Preconstruction activities will follow, with the goal of starting construction in February 2025.
This coming spring, there are plans to replace old water lines and relocate utilities so infrastructure issues will not be a problem when it comes to the more visible aspects of the project.
“The opportunity to collaborate with the City on a project that encompasses the vision of our young leaders, makes it safer for residents to walk and bike and creates a more business friendly environment has made it one of the most rewarding I’ve worked on over my 30 years as president of KEM,” Brian McCartney said.
To learn more about K.E. McCartney and Associates, visit their website. For more updates on the streetscape project, follow this four-part quarterly series to stay informed.
