Mary Scott NabersRecently funding has come under review for numerous government programs, however funding is still available for projects that connect communities, boost economic vitality and upgrade aging infrastructure. While current allocations are expected to be fully utilized, future funding levels may fluctuate. Because of that, many public officials throughout the U.S. are actively initiating or preparing to launch these types of projects soon, with most work being contracted to private sector firms.
A large $150 million redevelopment project will be launched in Cleveland, Ohio, to reconnect the downtown central business district with the Lake Erie waterfront. This project represents one of the first major initiatives led by city officials to revitalize the downtown core and maximize the potential of the adjoining Lake Erie area. The effort will require converting sections of downtown streets into a pedestrian-friendly boulevard and constructing a land bridge as well as a connector over the railroad tracks to overcome existing transportation and accessibility barriers. Project components will also include the transformation of other existing infrastructure and the creation of upgraded safe intersections. The work will also include construction of public space and a new center that provides parking and serves as a hub for Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority buses, trains, and Amtrak services. Currently the project in the advanced planning and pre-construction phase and construction is set to begin in 2027.
A $92 million project to convert an old bridge into an elevated public park over the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. is being planned. The new park will connect several neighborhoods and develop a public square designed to attract tourists and visitors from throughout the city. The repurposing of aged and abandoned infrastructure will add to the complexity of this project. Once completed the public square and park area will offer outdoor performance spaces, playgrounds, urban agriculture plots, an environmental education facility, a hammock grove, and a 250-seat amphitheater. Additionally, there will be a community room and café, gardens, and a kayak and canoe launch pier. The delivery method will be a Design-Bid-Build model and construction solicitations are scheduled to be released in 2025.
A plan developed by the Detroit Cultural District outlines numerous upgrades designed to revitalize and enhance vibrancy in the city’s cultural district. In the first multi-million-dollar project associated with the effort, city leaders will oversee the delivery of a new underground parking garage beneath the Detroit Institute of Arts. The new structure carries a projected cost of $25 million. It will deliver approximately 250 parking spaces and include electric vehicle charging stations. The design plan prioritizes safety and accessibility, incorporating new lighting for improved visibility and a green roof to manage rainwater runoff, making access more available, safe and convenient. The new green roof will also provide an attractive public space for community gatherings with easy access to parking for visitors. The master plan outlines numerous other upcoming projects that will be launched in upcoming years. Construction on this first project is slated for 2026.
A $49 million project planned to launch in Bellevue, Washington, will close a major gap in the 42-mile East Trail Corridor, which runs from Renton to Woodinville in Washington State. Project components will include the retrofitting of an existing steel railway bridge to create a 1.7-mile paved trail segment over Interstate 90 (I-90) in Bellevue. This new connection will link the southern and northern sections of the trail and allow continuous access for pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized users. It will also provide a direct connection to the 20-mile Mountains and Sound Greenway Trail which will improve overall accessibility and mobility in the region. Once finished, the connection will complete a key section of the highly respected regional trail network. Because of that, multiple city governments, non-profit corporations, and the regional transit authority in King County are supporting this effort. The design phase for this project will begin in 2025, with construction following in 2028.
City leaders in New Orleans will oversee a $25 million project to deliver a centralized downtown transit center designed to enhance public transportation and improve connectivity across all the city’s transit routes. The new facility will be constructed on the site where the former Southern Railway Terminal was located, serving as a primary hub for a new bus system that will reduce travel times for passengers commuting to and from downtown. The project will include upgraded passenger amenities, such as a shelter to provide comfort and protection from extreme weather. Enhanced safety features including high-visibility sidewalks, security cameras, emergency call boxes, and improved lighting will also be addressed as part of the project. As a final component of the project, protected bicycle lanes will be created to provide safe commuting options for cyclists and crossings will be redesigned to shorten pedestrian travel distances. Construction is scheduled for late 2025
These types of projects typically require a prime contractor and multiple subcontractors. When a 2025 construction start date is specified, it is imperative for interested parties to act swiftly, express interest and position themselves for involvement. A good place to start is with a call to each public entity’s Office of Public Information posing these questions: Will a pre-proposal meeting be scheduled? Has a delivery method been decided? And who can be contacted for additional information?
Photo/graphic courtesy Canva
