Downtown Brentwood’s Road to Revitalization Project officially began last week with the demolition of sidewalks, removal of existing trees and implementation of one-way traffic on Chestnut Street between First Street and Brentwood Boulevard.

This project will include improved utility systems and new streetscape amenities such as wider sidewalks for outdoor dining and merchandising, new furniture and street lights, new trees in the downtown area plus the undergrounding of existing overhead utilities on Chestnut Street. The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2011.

Traffic lanes will be temporarily reduced to one lane in each direction on portions of Chestnut, Oak and First streets for the length of the project in an effort to maintain vehicular circulation in and around the downtown area.

One-way traffic will be implemented incrementally as demolition and construction begin on each new street and block. Work will be performed on one side of the street at a time, allowing entry to shops and restaurants.

Pedestrian access to all downtown properties and businesses will be maintained at all times after sidewalk demolition. Construction activities will be stopped each Friday afternoon to allow construction-free zones for weekend shopping and dining. Though inconveniences will arise due to the nature and scope of the work, businesses will remain open.

New 36-inch boxed trees have already been selected and are continuing to grow at the nursery to provide the largest possible tree at the time of planting in the spring of 2011. The primary street tree species were selected for their open and upright branching characteristic, fall colors, early growth, minimal debris droppings and heat tolerance. Small flowering trees were selected as colorful corner accents.

For additional information, call Senior Community Development Analyst Kwame Reed at 925-516-5304 or e-mail kreed@ci.brentwood.ca.us. You can also use the comment section of the project’s website at www.ci.brentwood.ca.us/streetscapes.