With 2018 just around the corner, I thought it might be good to spend a little time discussing a variety of public projects that are slated to commence next year.

First, sewage collection system improvements will begin this winter.  Failing, pre-1900 sewer pipes risk public safety and hampers efficiency of the system.   Repairs will involve a brand new continuous PVC liner that is applied and cured along the inside of the pipe.  The lining can all be done underground, eliminating the need to tear up the streets. While the construction may cause some interuption of service, the disruption will be minimal.

The construction bids for the project came back significantly less than expected.  As a result, we have been able to increase the repairs from 73,000 to over 100,000 lineal feet of failed joints and pipe.  The project is expected to take approximately one year to complete.

Another project slated to begin this winter is railroad crossing safety improvements along the Norfolk and Southern tracks that run north and south in our city.  The repairs, fully funded with well over a million dollars of federal funds, will add crossing gates, flashing lights and other safety improvements at each railroad crossing between Smith and Lyon streets.  Special attention has been given to the Hickory Street area from Market to Main.  Representatives from INDOT have assured me the project will begin soon and move along rather quickly.  Please be patient with the temporary closings during construction. The safety improvements are most critical.

The Buffalo Street housing project has been in the planning stage for several years.  Stimulated by $3.5 million of 2016 Regional Cities grant funds, the engineering phase of the infrastructure improvements is complete. The construction to create a road connection from Indiana to Buffalo streets, along with utility improvements, will begin in the spring. Housing construction will begin in late fall. Construction of a new park plaza at the lakefront will follow.

      You may have noticed the Department of Natural Resources has already relocated the Center Lake boat launch from the Buffalo Street location to an area immediately north of the tennis courts on North Detroit Street.

Phase 2 of the Market Street road reconstruction is set to begin in the second half of 2018.  This federally funded project will pick up where Phase 1 left off at Bronson Street.  Enhanced street parking, intersection bump outs to improve pedestrian safety, a new multi-use side path and sidewalks, and better street lighting will extend all the way to the tracks at the new Little Crow Lofts.

Along with the new railroad crossing safety improvements, the completion of the Little Crow Lofts, and new amenities at Richardson-Dubois Park, the residents of Market Street will notice a significant transformation of their neighborhood.

Finally, in case you hadn’t noticed, our new alley activation project was “put away” for the winter.  The very popular project will return in late April for its second season as a feature attraction in our downtown.   The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority featured “The Alley” in its most recent statewide publication.

The City of Warsaw intends that with these projects, we will continue to provide essential services, enhance public safety, and improve the quality of life for all who live and work in our community.

Joe Thallemer is mayor of Warsaw.