This past week brought more progress on the Howard Street Revitalization Project, even as we continue through one of the most challenging phases, duct bank installation. Unlike water, sewer, and stormwater work, this phase happens much closer to storefronts and moves at a slower pace. It’s also more complex, which is why you’re seeing conduits emerging in several spots along the street.
What’s Next for Those Conduits?
Some will be flush-mounted with the ground, while others will be housed in pedestals or utility boxes. These areas will start to look different in the coming weeks as crews complete this stage.
The good news: duct bank work is the last major underground construction phase from Depot Street to Burrell Street,
This Week:
- Crews will continue duct bank installation, starting where they left off in front of High Country Emporium and moving toward Burrell Street.
Note: This section progresses slowly, so please expect a different pace than earlier utility work. - Concrete work at the culverts remains scheduled for late July. This task requires a pump-around system to manage creek flow, so anticipate intermittent road and alley closures during this time.
What Is a Duct Bank?
It is a reinforced concrete structure that organizes and protects utility conduits underground. For Howard Street, it means relocating overhead lines into a safe, permanent home, reducing the visual clutter of wires and improving reliability. It may not be glamorous, but it’s essential for a cleaner, more efficient streetscape.
This Week’s Progress by the Numbers
- Concrete Poured: 72 cubic yards (150 TONS!)
- Conduit Installed:
- 950 ft of 2-inch conduit
- 2,475 ft of 4-inch conduit
- 190 ft of 6-inch conduit
- Distance Covered: 64.5 feet along Howard Street
- Fun Fact: That’s 0.69 miles of conduit packed into just 64.5 feet of street!
