Image Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – After more than two years of planning and preparation, the Grand Avenue Beautification Project is now underway, as of Wed., May 20.

Thanks to federal funds secured by the City through the Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act, the areas of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard, and Grand Avenue and Longview Drive, will have nearly $2 million of appealing streetscape and pedestrian-centric improvements done over the next few months.

The improvements include enhanced sidewalks for easier pedestrian crossing, improved sidewalks and crosswalks, added post and wood rails, updated traffic poles and bollards, and a 10-foot tall entry monument sign to welcome commuters and residents into the City.

The project goals, according to the Diamond Bar city website, are to highlight the Diamond Bar community identity, create visual points of interest, establish new streetscape standards and guidelines for implementation at major intersections throughout the City, to be a catalyst for business growth, and to distinguish the City’s historical and cultural identity in a modern interpretation that will promote city pride.

David Liu, Diamond Bar’s Director of Public Works and City Engineer, called the project a “major milestone” since it brings about some modern looks to the area that will be aesthetically pleasing to everyone and help bolster the City’s economy.

“I think that’s one of the main reasons we picked the Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard section,” Liu said. “The four corners have the four shopping centers and the idea is that we can encourage more people to come and walk around. The idea here is for the residents to visit the stores and shop at Diamond Bar.”

Plans for the Grand Avenue Beautification Project have been around since April 2013, and while some might wonder about the two year waiting time, Mayor Steve Tye was adamant that the project pace was deliberate to ensure quality for all of Diamond Bar.

“It is wonderful to see a plan finally be realized,” Tye said. “Months of planning will finally be carried out; we believe it is better to do it right, than do it fast.”

Tye echoed Liu’s hopes, that the improvements would help the City’s businesses thrive by giving a modern and attractive appearance.

“I think these changes will make a statement that you have arrived in Diamond Bar, the center of our City,” Tye said. “It will attract people to the area, and they can shop while they’re there, which will help the City continue to thrive.”

Construction will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., now through August. Lane closures and turning restrictions will be in effect during construction and delays are imminent during the construction phase.

For more information contact the Public Works Director at (909) 839-7041, or email publicworks@diamondbarca.gov.