Concrete Progress: Grand Opening is Tuesday for Allison Ave. Streetscape

Months of detours and dust are in the rearview mirror on Allison Avenue, city officials say.

On Tuesday, May 24, La Mesans are invited to inspect the streetscape improvements alongside the fire station, library and City Hall at a “Grand Opening” event.

Ceremonies are set for 4:30 p.m. in front of and just east of the La Mesa branch library at 8074 Allison Ave.

“Allison Avenue is located in the heart of La Mesa’s downtown and Civic Center, providing access to shopping, the Trolley Station, bus stops, Civic Center, the library and post office,” said a city news release.

“The award winning Allison Avenue project includes many new urban smart growth design concepts; including enhanced crosswalks with inlayed flashing pavement markers, decorative streetlights, walkability features, street trees,  landscaping, diagonal parking and improved bus shelters.

 The Allison Avenue project recently won the American Planning Association award for complete streets and walkability.

 “The project was constructed entirely with grant funds, including a $1.99 million grant from the San Diego Association of Governments’ pilot Smart Growth Incentive program,” the city said.