One-block project aimed at repaving, sidewalks

Greencastle drivers are being reminded that a one-block section of East Franklin Street will be shut down beginning July 5 and continuing through the end of August to allow for an extensive reconstruction project.

Phase III of the Franklin Street renovation project is scheduled to get under way Wednesday morning with the closing of Franklin Street between the stoplight at Indianapolis Road near Dairy Castle and Arlington Street next to Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home.

City Engineer Glen Morrow said residents who live in the one-block area will still be allowed to access their driveways throughout the project. Also cars will still be allowed to travel to and from the handful of businesses and offices that are located on the north side of Franklin Street across from Dairy Castle.

All other drivers will have to go down to the next block to access Franklin Street.

Morrow said the overall plan for the project, which was approved by the Board of Works last month, calls for repaving of the street, installation of new storm drains, construction of sidewalks on the north side of the street and the addition of new concrete entrances to the driveways in the area.

M & D Excavating of Greencastle has been selected to perform the work and will start next Wednesday by grinding down the current road surface.

Morrow said some trees and growth along the street will have to be removed to make way for the new sidewalks.

A completion deadline of 70 days has been set for the project, he said.