Montour breaks ground on Gateway Project

MONTOUR FALLS—Work started last week on the Route 14/Main Street intersection and downtown Gateway Project in Montour Falls and is expected to be finished by the end of May.
The project includes improving the road, overall signage and sidewalks. Workers are also installing a new brick welcome sign in the middle of Main Street at the intersection. The contractors agreed to a 40-day deadline, putting the completion at the end of May, weather permitting.
Workers have started at the intersection to put in new sidewalks. Mayor John King said the project includes new traffic lights, extended sidewalks and entrance walls with planters. He added work on this part of the project is expected to be finished by the end of April.
The overall idea is to direct more people down Main Street and to the shops and historic sights. King said the project has been four years in the making. He explained the improvements will hopefully draw people driving on Route 14 down through Main Street.
“It’s partially for our own residents to improve the appearance of the town and to attract tourists,” said King.
After the intersection, workers will move on to the off-street parking behind some of the stores on the north side of the road. This includes a kiosk, bike racks, and an area for bus parking. Another kiosk will be established in front of the Montour House with tourist information. A separate grant will help plant trees along Main Street at the same time this work is being done, replacing older trees.