Progress updates show Main Street Corridor Improvement project advancing in Mansfield

MANSFIELD — The conclusion of the $19.3 million Main Street Corridor Improvement project is still off in the distance.

Perhaps a year off in the distance, with an estimated completion date in October 2026.

But Mayor Jodie Perry said Tuesday she is happy to see enough advancement that residents can begin to have an idea what the finished product will look like.

The drone video above by Braxton Daniels shows some of the work done recently between Fifth and Fourth streets.

“I think some of the drone shots that have been shared recently have been really cool. You can kind of see a better idea. There is so much work happening, but when you just drive or walk by it, you don’t always get the full grasp of it,” she said. “So that’s exciting.

“I think as they finish up the block between Fourth and Fifth (streets), people will be able to have a better idea of what the rest of the project is going to look like,” Perry said.

“There is definitely a long way to go. But it’s different than the beginning of the project where it was just lots of digging and you weren’t seeing things finished. Now we’re starting to see that,” she said.

The project, which began Feb. 24, is a complete upgrade of Main Street from First to Sixth streets and Park Avenue from Main to Diamond streets.

Every part of the streetscape along the corridor will be upgraded during the project, including:

New water lines and storm sewers.
New sidewalks and brick crosswalks.
New signage and traffic signals.
New landscaping and lighting.
New landscaping, furniture, and gathering spaces in Central Park and in the plazas at Park Avenue West and Main Street.
Converting the traffic pattern on Main Street from one-way to two-way.

Downtown Mansfield Inc. offered an update on Monday on the project, including the drone video and photos below, courtesy of Braxton Daniels/Studio 45.

Here is the latest from DMI:

Looking Back: Sept. 1 to 14

Work over the last two weeks included:

Sidewalk and curb installation between Fourth and Fifth streets.
Storm drainage installations along Main Street.
Light pole foundation installation along Main Street.
Demo work in plazas.
Underground electric installation.
Road surface repair and clean up from Fourth Street to Park Avenue.

Here’s what to expect in the new two weeks:

Brickwork installation on crossings between Fourth and Fifth streets.
Work in plazas.
Curb and sidewalk installation between Third and Fourth streets.
Beginning of work on Fourth and Main streets intersection (see image below for a visual).

***Decorative crossing for intersection at Third and Main. Work on the Fourth Street intersection, which will look the same, begins Sept. 22.***

Traffic and Accessibility Impact

One lane will be open on Main Street, south of Park Avenue.
Main Street will be closed from Fifth Street to Park, with the Fourth to Fifth block opening up to Temple Court once brick crossings are done.
Cross street intersections will be open at Fourth and Third streets with periodic intermittent closures. The Fourth Street intersection will close on Sept. 22.
On-street parking is available on Third and Fourth streets between Diamond and Walnut during closures of those intersections (drive around barrier to park)
Businesses will remain open and accessible to pedestrians at all times. Watch for marked pedestrian detours and watch your step for uneven ground.

Free Parking and Business Accessibility Downtown

Pedestrian access is being maintained to businesses throughout the project. Many businesses also have rear access available through back doors and alleys.

In addition to public parking on surface lots, meters have also been removed and on-street parking is now free along Main Street and on some side streets through the end of the project.