Downtown streetscape work ramps up

Mike Becker employee John Savely smooths out some concrete during Big H project work Monday on Depot Street north of Adams Avenue. BILL RAUTENSTRAUCH / The Observer

LA GRANDE — Jackhammers and other heavy machinery are running full bore in downtown La Grande this week, as construction workers continue on the Big H streestcape project. 

According to an update from La Grande Community and Economic Development Director Charlie Mitchell, the second week of the project — June 11-15 — includes concrete removal and placement of conduit along Depot Street, sidewalk reconstruction, and curb installation. Work is being done on the west side of Depot between Adams and Washington avenues, and on the east side between between Adams and Jefferson.

 A new driveway will be installed on Jefferson Avenue near Depot. Demolition work is scheduled to begin soon on Elm Street.

The city issued a reminder that there will be dust and noise associated with concrete removal, and there will be some alley closures in the project areas. Parking lanes will be closed in certain sections.

The Big H project includes a rebuild of sidewalks, alleys and alley approaches on Elm and Depot streets between Washington Avenue and Jefferson Avenue. It also takes in the section of Adams Avenue between Elm and Depot, the north side of Washington between Elm and Depot, and the two alleys that run between Elm and Depot on either side of Adams.

Mike Becker is the project contractor.