Engineering Solutions Stimulate
Economic Growth
Longview’s Tyler Street Reconstruction Project
Revitalizes Downtown Community
Street and Sidewalk Deteriorations in Historic City Hinder Business:
The streets and sidewalks of Longview, which was founded in 1870,were showing their age. The city’s brick pavements were deteriorating and failing, posing problems and inconvenience for cars and pedestrians in this bustling East Texas town of 80,000 people. Below ground other
troubles lurked: 75-year-old water, sewer and storm sewer lines were failing as well, causing new headaches and struggles. To solve the problem, a Texas CEC-member engineering firm worked with the City of Longview and more than 10 other interested parties to plan and execute a renovation program that would improve the situation.
Renovation without Disruption:
The project required the complete renovation of the streets and modernization of the overall look of the downtown area without impacting businesses. The Texas CEC member worked with the City of Longview, Longview Partnership, 100 Acres of Heritage, Downtown Longview Merchants, Progress Review Team, Longview Bridge & Road, landscape architects, planners, architects and other interested parties to ensure continuous uninterrupted pedestrian access to each merchant’s front door. In addition, other unexpected challenges, like intrusions into the city’s right-of-ways by a 60+ year-old underground storage tank and a private 10-story building’s basement roof, were addressed.
Aggressive Innovative Designs Save the Day:
The final design improved the overall streetscape aesthetics while supporting a friendlier environment for pedestrian and traffic access. What emerged was a three-phase plan that closed one block at a time for vehicular traffic while maintaining pedestrian access. Existing bricks were removed from the streets and replaced with new concrete pavement and storm sewers; concrete sidewalks were replaced and now include inlaid brick pavers and planter boxes; and new illuminated stop signs replaced old traffic signals in order to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment. But the renovation didn’t stop there. To enhance the community’s major social events in downtown Longview, the renovators included an antique replica clock tower with monumental flag poles, benches and quaint street lights, along with a
special “star” intersection design using inlaid brick pavers and exposed aggregate concrete. The overall effect of the renovation and restoration is contributing to revitalized pride in the community – and new investments in other nearby buildings by private investors.
Trusted Engineering Partner Delivers Value:
Through careful planning, concerted efforts and innovative engineering, long-awaited dreams have been realized in the City of Longview. The project has received numerous compliments and a sense of pride has been restored. Shoppers from surrounding towns are benefiting from improved access to Downtown Longview. The Texas Downtown Association recognized the project as a finalist for its “Best Public Improvement Project” award.
*The engineering services expense of a construction project typically is one of its
least costly components. Yet that independent disciple is critical in controlling
overall cost and quality. Trust (Look to) the engineering company professionals
to assure quality and true bottom line value in construction.