Poughkeepsie To Rehab Grand Avenue

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — The city of Poughkeepsie is planning to make significant improvements along Grand Avenue between Hooker and College avenues.

Officials said the city retained Creighton Manning Engineering LLP to perform preliminary and final design services to rehabilitate the existing roadway and improve pedestrian and bicycle accommodations using a “complete streets” approach.

“Complete streets” promote pedestrian, bicycle and public transportation as alternatives to automobile travel to reduce environmental impacts, reduce traffic congestion and improve safety for all users and promote a healthy lifestyle.

The city will use a combination of federal and city funds to pay for the design, construction and inspection of the project, which includes about 0.4 mile of roadway.

Mayor Marc Nelson said Grand Avenue is a main thoroughfare and has been in need of repair for quite some time.

“We recognize that road conditions are a major priority for our residents, as they are for city government,” he said. “This project will greatly enhance the look and safety of this portion of Grand Avenue, and we look forward to the upcoming public engagement process and the completion of this important work.”

Creighton Manning and the city will prepare construction drawings for the proposed work that will include milling and resurfacing the roadway with new asphalt, considerations for bicyclists, concrete curb replacement, sidewalk and curb ramp replacement in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, minor drainage improvements, new striping and new signage as required.

A public information meeting will be scheduled for September, and a draft design report will be created.

Final designs will be in place by the end of the year, with construction expected to begin in the summer of 2024 and be completed by fall.