BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 If you couldn\u2019t already tell, there are big changes coming to 18th and 19th streets in downtown Bakersfield.<\/p>\n
The price tag comes out to $7 million, spans around six blocks, and took just took five months to get it done. Work began on two of Bakersfield\u2019s major corridors \u2014 Monday was the Day 1.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe project timeline is actually starting construction this very day. That\u2019s why the contractors out here with all this equipment, it\u2019s not just for show. They are going to be doing the work right now, but the schedule will we anticipate the schedule to run up to Halloween,\u201d said Zachary Meyer City Public Works Director.<\/p>\n
Watch \u2018After Sunrise\u2019 on KGET+; Click to learn how to get KGET+ on your smart TV devices <\/a><\/p>\n The renovation of 18th and 19th streets will be done in three phases: First between L and O streets, then between F and L streets, and finally between O Street and Mill Creek.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve seen a lot of private investment throughout downtown Bakersfield, both west of Chester and also in East Chester. This project will really tie everything together. This is a pedestrian improvement project which will which will mean enhanced shade shading with a tree canopy for those who are walking in downtown Bakersfield during the hot summer months,\u201d said City Councilmember Andrae Gonzales.<\/p>\n The project will feature additions like new sidewalks, gutters, crosswalks, bike lanes, benches, and hundreds of new shrubs and trees to beautify the street.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m excited about progress and momentum in our city. When public and private people come together to make our community better. This is just the beginning. As we open up the doors for our entrepreneurs, our investors to make Bakersfield even better,\u201d said Mayor Karen Goh.<\/p>\n