Phase I of Columbus’ State Street Urban Enhancement Project has been approved by INDOT.

Phase I encompasses improvement to the Haw Creek bridge, making it a “gateway” to downtown. Organizers say that the hope is to blend downtown and the city’s east side. That work includes widening the bridge to incorporate a multi-use concrete side path on the north side of the bridge and a six-foot-wide sidewalk on the south side. City officials say there will also be a protective barrier on both side between traffic and pedestrians, along with lighting enhancements.

Phase I of the project also includes a gateway on Central Avenue to “reflect the industrial arts heritage” of the city. There are also scheduled to be tree plantings and other landscaping enhancements.

Heather Pope, the city’s Redevelopment Director, says that the contract for this portion of work to Force Construction. She adds that the Columbus Board of Works and Safety is expected to ratify the contract at its meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Pope says the work will begin shortly thereafter with an expected completion date of June 16, 2017.