College Avenue lane closures planned during street tree planting

Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer

The final phase of this year’s College Avenue Improvement Project work is scheduled to begin this week.

City crews will begin planting street trees along the newly expanded sidewalks on the east side of College Avenue between Lafayette and North streets on Thursday, Oct. 6, according to a news release. The work will require northbound lane closures from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day.

The project, which includes a full redesign of the half-mile stretch of College Avenue between Maple and North streets, began in March on the east side of College near the intersection of North Street.

Similar to improvements made south of Maple Street, the project features new, 10-foot sidewalks with lighting, replacement of the curbs and gutters, and burial of some overhead power lines, with the street trees serving as the final beautification touch.

Trees for the project were selected by the city’s urban forestry department, and include native species that are tolerant of pollution, drought, and harsh conditions, the release stated. Preference was given to trees with colorful blooms in the spring and foliage in the fall. Trees that produce large fruit or litter problems were not selected.

Species to be planted this week include Black Gum, Bur Oak, Crabapple, Frontier Elm, Littleleaf Linden, Sugar Maple, and Yellowwood.

Motorists should expect delays during the process on Thursday, and city officials are urging those planning to turn east onto North Street toward Mission Boulevard to use an alternate route, such as Lafayette Street.

For more information on the project, contact the city’s transportation division office at 479-575-8228.