NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

City Breaks Ground for the Second Phase of Outer Belt West Project

Release date: 9/25/07

Work began today on the second phase of a project that will provide an alternative route for motorists traveling from the north side of the City to the south side of the City.

City administrators, city officials, state officials and local residents gathered at the south section of Outer Belt West to break ground on the second phase of the project that will extend the roadway to Fayette Avenue.

The second phase of the project will cost $3.09 million and includes a 200-foot bridge and 4,600 feet of pavement, sidewalks and sewers. Funds to cover the cost of the project include $1.5 million received from the Federal Surface Transportation Bill.

Mayor John Lange told the crowd gathered for the ground breaking ceremony that the project for the outer roadway was a vision of the City fathers who realized traffic would become an issue on Keller Drive and sought an alternative route of travel for vehicles traveling from one side of the City to the other.

“It has been in the planning stages since 1959 when Paul Taylor and Lolami Keller were respective mayors,” said Lange. “Today, we are setting that dream into motion.”

In 2004, the City completed the first section of the roadway, which connects West Evergreen Avenue to Avenue of Mid-America on the north side of the City. The second phase of the project is expected to be complete in two years, and the project will continue in phases with the final roadway connecting Ford Avenue to U.S. Route 40.

Effingham County also has scheduled road improvements to be completed on West Evergreen Avenue that will compliment the City’s project. The county plans to widen and extend the roadway to the Lake Sara area, providing motorists an alternative route other than Keller Drive.

The roadway also will provide economic development opportunities in the City.

“The City is excited about the potential for property along Outer Belt West,” said Lange, adding the roadway will open up several acres for development.

Businesses that are currently located on Outer Belt West are Firefly Grill, Interstate Truck Repair, and The Rosebud Theatre, which will open in November.

The City of Effingham held a groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of Outer Belt West, which will connect the existing roadway to Fayette Avenue. From left are: Sarah Nelson, representative of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin; Chuck Grunloh, Milano & Grunloh Engineers; Kathy Harrington, representative of U.S. Senator Barack Obama; Rodney Davis, representative of U.S. Congressman John Shimkus, R-Collinsville; Doug Kieffer, Kieffer Bros. Construction Co. Inc.; Mayor John Lange; Pete Campbell, Director of Street and Sewer Departments; Todd Hull, Economic Development Director; Representative David Reis, R-Ste. Marie; and Steve Miller, City Engineer.