In an effort to create greater pedestrian accessibility, the City of Phoenix’s Streetscape project began its second phase Monday with the closure of Pierce Street between Central Avenue and First Street to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Removal of the roadway will be followed by excavation for a new waterline on Pierce Street, according to Gail Brinkmann, City of Phoenix street transportation department project manager. After the waterline is complete, the sidewalk on the north side of Pierce will be removed.
The sidewalk on the south side of Pierce will stay open until the north sidewalk is finished, at which point the construction will move to the south side.
Unless there is rain or other unforeseen conditions, the final paving of both First and Pierce streets will be completed by mid-December, Brinkmann said.
The roadway will be narrowed to make room for wider sidewalks and a new curb and gutter, according to the street transportation department. Other pedestrian improvements planned include new street lighting, bike racks, benches and trash receptacles.
The improvements will also make room for artist-designed shade canopies next to the Phoenix Public Market.
Jessie Knowles, an employee at Royal Coffee Bar inside the Phoenix Public Market, said the cafe has not seen a large difference in business since the project began June 27 with the closure of First Street between Fillmore and McKinley streets.
“It’s difficult to tell what’s making the difference,” Knowles said, “Anytime a nearby street closes, business goes down a little, but there are ways to get here.”
Many of the same pedestrian enhancements to be made on Pierce Street were completed on First Street during the first phase of the project.
First Street is currently open to vehicular traffic. The east side of the street has been completed and is open to pedestrians. Construction continues, however, on the west side of the street as contractors install pavement and construct the sidewalk north of Pizza Hut.
Business is picking up at the places that were less accessible during the First Street closure. Mealedia White, general manager of Turf Irish Pub said there was a noticeable decrease in business when First Street closed, but business has picked up since the street reopened.
The recent increase in business for Turf could also be due to the fact that school is back in session, White said.
Installation of the artist-designed shade structure adjacent to Phoenix Public Market and Royal Coffee will take place in the spring, Brinkmann said.
“The city is working with the Public Market concerning installation dates to hopefully coincide with the market’s anniversary,” she added.
Contact the reporter at aubree.abril@asu.edu
