A long-talked about project in Bridgeport’s downtown is not completely finished – and everything won’t for some time. However, use of that project has started today.

 

According to Bridgeport City Clerk Andrea Kerr, the new Center Street Parking Lot is now open to the public. The addition of 20-plus spaces should help alleviate some of the parking concerns faced by multiple businesses in that area – particularly more convenient parking.

 

“We want the community to remember to there will still be some ongoing construction and portions of the parking lot, or even all of it, may be closed at times for the next few weeks,” said Kerr.

 

For those wondering how to tell, it won’t be too difficult. Kerr said unusable areas will be blocked off.

 

Recently, the bulk of the paving was done and the striping of the lot was done as well. There has also been seeding done for areas around the lot that were dug up during the construction process.

 

The project has been moving forward at a rapid pace. Wolfe's Excavating, LLC completed the project in less than two months from the time frame in which it was approved. City Council approved their bid of $91,000 at the Oct. 24 meeting.

 

Although work started on the project after that meeting, the final approval on purchasing portions of the property needed to make it work was not finalized until Nov. 28. At that time, Council approved the purchase of two pieces of property – .19 acres and right of way from the Bridgeport Church of Christ and .175 acres from Mark and Judy Bonamico. City Manager Kim Haws said the total cost of the acreage and the right of way was in the $50,000 range and came out of general fund dollars.

 

That puts the cost at this point at more than $140,000 and the number will grow some more. Eventually, Haws informed Council that lights will be installed at the parking facility. There will also be a fabricated pedestrian bridge that will allow those utilizing the lot to walk from it directly to Main Street. As it is situated now, those parking there have to enter onto the Center Street Bridge to get to Main Street.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows city staff putting some finishing touches on the parking lot on Tuesday, while the intersection where the new lot is located is shown below.