Alley Walkway Being Leveled, Paved

The alley between West Lawrenceville Street and Abbotts Bridge Road is being fixed up so it will be passable for Duluth residents, visitors and shoppers.

The alley connects a parking lot on Abbotts Bridge Road to downtown shops.

The uneven concrete walkway is being broken up by the city’s Public Works Department using a new piece of equipment with a jackhammer attachment. When the concrete pieces are removed, the walkway will be paved with asphalt.

Prison labor is being used to pick up the concrete pieces, according to Jason Brock of Public Works. Smaller pieces will be used in the driveway at the Public Works Department, while larger pieces will be used on a nearby retention pond.

Buildings along the alley are being painted by Duluth Matters volunteers organized by Councilman Billy Jones. The first alley work day was held May 18, and another is planned soon.

The alley runs behind shops on Main Street. The Duluth Fall Festival Committee, downtown merchants, and other city officials are contributing to the improvements.

About 50 volunteers participated in the May alley work day. To volunteer to help, email Jones at bjones@duluthga.net.