Utility Lines to Be Placed Underground
Utility lines will be placed underground on a portion of Western Avenue as part of a five-year plan to improve traffic safety and make the area look better.
The creation of a special underground utility district to handle the work was approved by the City Council this week.
Construction will begin in December on a section of Western between Lincoln Avenue and the southern city limits, with completion expected late next year, according to Dale Tarkington, assistant general manager for electric services.
Starting in January, utility lines will also be buried on Gilbert Street from north of Broadway to north of Lincoln Avenue. The council postponed action on this area until its Oct. 8 meeting.
Tarkington said 23 other underground districts are either completed or under construction. Putting lines underground, he said, “provides for a safe environment for the purpose of traffic and public safety as well as aesthetically to make a nice environment.”
Intersections targeted for the placement of underground utilities have had a high number of accidents and officials say utility poles may hinder sight lines for motorists.
The projects are part of a $46-million plan approved by the council in April 1995 to place city utilities underground.
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