PANAMA CITY — Construction is officially underway for the start of the task of improving the infrastructure of Cherry Street in Panama City.
City officials and citizens gathered Wednesday morning on Cherry Street and Bonita Avenue for an innovative rite to kick off the first of the project.
The assignment of the reconstruction of Cherry Street from East Beach Drive to Bonita Avenue.
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“This is an exciting time for Panama City, and this is one of many strides we are making,” said Mayor Greg Brudnicki.
In June, city commissioners awarded a bid of approximately $5. 8 million to build the assignment to Royal American Construction. Construction will begin in the next 30 days, starting on Cherry Street and Beach Drive.
The road will be wider and more convenient for netpaintings access. Major paints include replacing water and sewer infrastructure, resurfacing the road, planting more trees, installing a sidewalk along the north side of the road, and a motorcycle trail along the south side of the road.
Officials said the task has been underway for at least six years and that the city was able to spice up the task thanks to the investment that came in the wake of Hurricane Michael.
“We’ve known for a long time that innovations needed to be made on Cherry Street,” Brudnicki said. “And after Hurricane Michael, we needed to increase state cash with our infrastructure fund to do that, and do it right. “
Improvements to underground water and sewer pipes and pavement resurfacing will be financed through the State Revolving Fund loan. In addition, the Bay County Infrastructure Surcharge will fund sidewalks, motorcycle lanes and non-utility items.
City Commissioner Jenna Haligas said it was an emotional moment for her, despite everything, to see the task begin.
“It moves me to think of all the pieces that were combined here and the other people who worked on this task to create and rebuild anything for the future,” Haligas said. “It’s exciting that we’re creating spaces in a city that’s much bigger than before. “
The assignment will be carried out in 3 phases, and the first phase is expected to be completed in approximately 300 days. The current phase will begin in approximately 3 months and will renovate Cherry Street from Bonita Avenue to Tyndall Drive.