Public Square and West Market St. streetscape project underway

Bill O’Boyle, The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
·2 min read

Mar. 26—WILKES-BARRE — Mayor George Brown this week said construction is underway for the final phase of the Public Square Downtown Streetscape Improvements project.

Brown said the project will cover Public Square from North Main Street to West Market Street and then continue along West Market to River Street.

New concrete sidewalks, curbs, sidewalk connections, crosswalks and pedestrian signage will be installed. Also, ADA accessibility improvements, such as curb cuts and sidewalk detectable warning surfaces for the new ADA ramps will be replaced.

"In addition, new benches, bicycle racks, pedestrian kiosks and garbage receptacles will be installed along with trees planted to improve the overall quality of Public Square," Brown said.

The construction phase of the project is anticipated to take four to six months, depending on the weather.

Brown said the total project cost will be $1,104,937 and is funded in part with a $800,000 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Public Square Pathways Project

Mayor Brown said the City has received bids for the Public Square Pathways Project.

The project will consist of replacing the relic pavers on the interior pathways of Public Square.

Brown said the improvements will benefit the Farmers' Market, which runs from June to October each year, brings food, crafts, and music to our downtown.

Also, the Fine Arts Fiesta, a week-long festival on the Square, brings live performances and art exhibits to our residents and visitors.

"Public Square is the central point of the city's parades, as well as numerous block parties, holiday celebrations and other community events," Brown said.

Some features of the new stage will include a roof, wooden screen backdrop panels, integrated accent lighting and new pavers for the stage area.

The project is anticipated to take four to six months to complete.

The Public Square Pathways Project contract approval will be voted on at the next City Council meeting and funded through the American Rescue Plan.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.