Tower & Lower Washington Street Upgrades to Begin This June
Get ready for smoother drives and safer walks around town! A major infrastructure revitalization project is officially scheduled to commence in mid-June in the Village of St. Bernard. This comprehensive initiative will upgrade critical local corridors to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and extend the lifespan of the village’s street and pedestrian pathways.
Key Project Dates & Info
· General Contractor: Fred A. Nemann Company
· Early June (Two Weeks Prior): Saw cutting starts near the schools.
· Mid-June: Construction officially begins.
· August 13: Phase 1 (School Zones) substantial completion expected.
· October: Full project completion expected.
· Work Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (No Friday, weekend, or holiday work expected).
Impacted Areas
The construction footprint focuses on two key zones:
· Tower Avenue: Full resurfacing from Mitchell Avenue to McClelland Avenue.
· Washington Avenue (Lower): Full resurfacing from Tower Avenue to Vine Street.
Project Funding & Strategic Partnerships
This major investment is made possible through a strategic cost-sharing partnership, pairing local funds with outside grants to maximize the value of village tax dollars. The total contract cost awarded to the Fred A. Nemann Company is $2,026,706.53.
Our funding breakdown highlights external support for this revitalization:
· Greater Cincinnati Water Works: By coordinating road work with critical utility updates, Greater Cincinnati Water Works is participating as a funding partner in the amount of $719,462.83.
· Village Base Portion: The infrastructure portion of the project assigned to the Village is $1,307,243.70.
· SORTA Metro Transit Infrastructure Fund (MTIF) Offset: To substantially lower the local burden, the Village was awarded grant funding through the SORTA MTIF program. This grant provides a 50% offset of the Village's base portion, bringing the net local cost down to $653,621.85.
A Phased Approach to Construction
To manage traffic flow and minimize disruptions to local families, the project is structured into two distinct phases:
· Phase 1: School Zones (Mid-June – Complete by August 13) Work will focus primarily on the areas immediately adjacent to the Saint Bernard-Elmwood Place schools while students are out for the summer. Saw cutting will commence in the vicinity of the schools in two weeks to prepare the pavement and sidewalks. Crews will then mill down the road surface and apply an initial asphalt leveling course to ensure a functional, drivable surface before the school year begins. All Phase 1 work is expected to be complete by August 13. The final top layer of asphalt will be applied later in coordination with Phase 2.
· Phase 2: Remainder of the Project (Mid-August through Fall) Once the school zone work is wrapped up, crews will transition to the remaining sections of Tower Avenue and lower Washington Avenue to complete the infrastructure upgrades.
Project Scope of Work
Across both phases, the full scope of work includes:
· Curb Replacement: Deteriorated curbs will be removed and poured fresh to improve drainage and neighborhood aesthetics.
· Sidewalk Repairs: Select sections of damaged or uneven sidewalks will be replaced to ensure safe, accessible walking paths.
· Road Resurfacing: Crews will grind down damaged asphalt, repair the underlying road base, and lay a fresh, durable final asphalt surface with highly visible lane markings.
Traffic, Parking, and Service Disruptions
While we are working hard to minimize disruptions, residents and commuters should prepare for temporary changes:
· Direct Notifications: The contractor is expected to notify residents of specific construction impacts by a door hanger delivered at least 24 hours in advance.
· Trash & Recycling: Existing trash and recycling collection schedules will be maintained. Please place toters at the curb on your normal service days.
· Lane Closures: Roads will remain open, but traffic may be reduced to a single lane in active work zones.
· Parking Restrictions: Temporary "No Parking" signs will be posted at least 24 hours before work begins on specific blocks. Vehicles left in these zones may be towed.
· Property Access: Driveway and sidewalk access may be briefly restricted while concrete and asphalt cure directly in front of your property. Crews on-site will coordinate directly with impacted residents.
The Village appreciates your patience and cooperation as we invest in the future of our neighborhood infrastructure. Drive safely, watch for construction workers, and enjoy the smooth roads ahead!