WILMINGTON — The North Carolina Department of Transportation and the City of Wilmington have big plans to address the aesthetics of the Market Street corridor, from the train tracks all the way to Station Road.
Tuesday, City Council will vote on approving more than $1 million to partner with NCDOT for the NCDOT Market Street Median and Access Project, if approved construction would begin in October 2020. The enhancements would include the planting of grassed medians, powder coating of traffic signal mast arms, and the construction of sidewalks.
“Aesthetic enhancements are considered a betterment and some of these costs for the construction/installation shall be borne by the city. The City of Wilmington’s adopted FY 2017-18 Capital Improvement Program includes funding in the amount of $1.55 million for aesthetic enhancements to partner with NCDOT’s project,” according to City Manager Sterling Cheatham.
The new sidewalks would provide connectivity where there are currently gaps in infrastructure, according to city documents. In November, City Council was presented with four options for consideration and members expressed concerns regarding visibility along the corridor.
“Based on the maintenance costs, aesthetic quality, and visual continuity, City staff recommends the construction of the 24” standing concrete maintenance refuge at the street edge and between the planting beds; installation of Natchez Crepe Myrtles, East Palatka Hollys, Purple Fountain Grass and Asiatic Jasmine; and powder coating the mast arm signal poles from the railroad tracks to Station Road,” Cheatham said.
City Council meets Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at City Hall where the council will vote on the resolution to support the betterments to the roadway.
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