Clarksdale started its second major sidewalk project last week with city officials hosting a groundbreaking on Desoto Avenue.
The work is part of a $5 million bond issue passed in 2019 that will allow the city to improve infrastructure and alleviate flooding and drainage issue.
While the city has begun preliminary work on the flooding and drainage issues, they have almost completed a new sidewalk on Madison that stretches from State Street to Martin Luther King Boulevard. The Desoto Avenue project will stretch from State Street to the railroad underpass near MLK Boulevard.
“People will be able to go from downtown to McDonalds or downtown to Abes (restaurant)” said Clarksdale Mayor Chuck Espy. “These oversized sidewalks will be used to ride bicycles, walk, jog and allow people to get together. The lighting that will be installed will allow them to walk and feel safe in their neighborhoods. They will improve our quality of life.”
Project engineer Terry Smith said, if the weather is agreeable, the sidewalks should be finished by December.
Clarksdale residents voted in favor of a $5 million bond referendum that would fix flooding problems and improve infrastructure in a 2019 special election.
Projects the city listed in seeking the bond issue include:
1. Replace Second Street Bridge: $3,800,000.
2. Sasse Street drainage: $800,000.
3. Pearson Street levee and/or pump: $2,025,000.
4. Sidewalks/Lighting: $1.1 million.
5. Street rehabilitation: $500,000.
6. Friars Point Road Bridge: $3.6 million.
Projects are listed by priority and Friars Point would be added if funds become available through possible grants.
