City of Janesville hosts ribbon cutting ceremony for W. Milwaukee St project

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The City of Janesville, along with Downtown Janesville, Inc. and the Downtown Business Improvement District, will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, October 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. on W. Milwaukee Street, between Jackson Street and Academy Street, to celebrate the completion of the W. Milwaukee Street reconstruction project and reopening of the thoroughfare.

The W. Milwaukee Street reconstruction project began on March 22, 2021, and was supported by federal, state, and city funds. It was completed in two phases, with the first phase reconstructing the street from River Street to Jackson Street. Following the completion of that segment in July, crews began work of the second phase, from Jackson Street to the intersection of Centerway Avenue, or “5 Points”. The grand opening and ribbon-cutting will mark the completion of both phases and the street’s reopening to through traffic.

Once completed, the project will bring enhanced vehicular and pedestrian traffic safety and infrastructure improvements that include new sidewalks, lighting, water mains, and storm sewers. The project will also beautify the corridor with new benches, bike racks, trash receptacles, and streetscaping with planters, planter beds, tree grates, and street lamps.

The public is encouraged to join in the celebration of this project’s completion with a community celebration on Friday, October 22, beginning at 4 p.m. The event will continue until 7 p.m. and feature free apple cider, kid’s carnival games, a “touch-a-truck” display, and a classic car show. A formal ribbon-cutting and ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. on the northwest corner of W. Milwaukee Street and Jackson Street. Representatives from the Federal Government, the State of Wisconsin, and the City of Janesville will offer remarks to celebrate the occasion.