La Grande downtown streetscape project drawing to a close

Cody Grimsley of Tomco Electric out of Bend prepares wires and tubes for the installation of another of the 26 new light poles in downtown La Grande last week. Part of La Grande’s ongoing Big H project, the poles will emit LED lighting and each come with its own irrigation system for seasonal hanging flower baskets. CHRIS BAXTER - The Observer

The Big H streetscape project downtown is coming to an end, according to an announcement this week from the City of La Grande.

City officials said the construction project, a major improvement effort for the central business district, will be complete Nov. 30. It continues to wind down this week with only minimal impacts for pedestrians.

In its latest — and last  — project update, the city said the most significant impact area will again be the sidewalk on the east side of Elm Street between Adams Avenue and the alley south of Adams. This sidewalk and basement area is being reconstructed. The work will impact Miracle Ear and La Grande Dry Cleaning.

Also, finish work continues on the new accent wall near Sterling Bank.

Installation of street trees and pedestrian lights will continue throughout the project area this week. The lights are expected to be fully operational after the sidewalk work on Elm Street is complete.

The city said it is possible some of the lights on the north side of Adams will be operational this week. The contractor will also continue installing street signs, and working on minor “punch list” items.

The city said planning for an end-of-project celebration is under way.

The Big H project includes a rebuild of sidewalks, alleys and alley approaches on Elm and Depot streets between Washington Avenue and Jefferson Avenue. The project 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.