Construction on the first phase of the Greater Downtown East Moline Revitalization Project has started in East Moline, planners announced on April 16.
The initial work will focus on streetscaping and improving pedestrian and bicycle access at The Bend, according to Images, Inc., the planning and marketing firm working with the City of East Moline on the project.
“Contractor McCarthy Improvement will lead construction efforts, beginning with earthwork and drainage upgrades, followed by the installation of a new sidewalk and a multiuse path. The sidewalk and multi-use path will provide improved connections for pedestrians and bicyclists traveling between 12th Avenue and the riverfront and to destinations at The Bend,” Images, Inc. said in a news release.
McCarthy employees actually began some of that revitalization project work on Monday, April 14, Tim Kammler, the City of East Moline’s director of engineering, told the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal on Wednesday.
Streetscaping at The Bend could be complete by late summer, he added.
The goal of the $30 million revitalization project is to make East Moline more walkable, bike-friendly and beautiful. The project will include new landscaping, more outdoor event space, improved railroad crossings and much more across the downtown district and nearby riverfront.
Work at The Bend will include:
- New sidewalk and multi-use path linking 12th Avenue to the riverfront trail and providing connections to a variety of destinations and amenities at The Bend.
- Improved connections and access to local bus services and a future Channel Cat water taxi dock.
- New landscaping and wayfinding signage to enhance the look and feel of the area and strengthen continuity between The Bend, Rust Belt, and 15th Avenue/Main Street.
- Construction will take place in phases starting with The Bend. The 15th Avenue/Main Street work is anticipated to begin in early summer and a ground-breaking ceremony will be held.
While construction is underway, traffic disruptions are expected to be minimal, and access to area businesses and residences will remain open throughout the project.
Future phases will include extending Bend Boulevard between Mississippi Parkway and 7th Street – providing a new connection and facilitating future developments in the area. Work on 12th Avenue around the Rust Belt will begin in 2026. Bend Boulevard extension work will start in 2027, according to information presented recently at the East Moline State of the City event.
“This revitalization effort is a major step toward reimagining Greater Downtown East Moline as a more connected and vibrant destination for both residents and visitors. Shaped by extensive community input gathered throughout the planning process, the city is moving forward with improvements that strengthen connections and continuity between The Bend, the Rust Belt, and 15th Avenue/Main Street,” the Images, Inc. release said.
To learn more about the vision and stay up to date on construction, visit www.DowntownEastMoline.com.
