(Photo by Art Smith) Construction equipment has been moved onto Ohio Street in Marietta as work begins on a large project that will bring improvements to the riverfront.

Construction for the Marietta levee park project is underway with minor construction continuing since it began early winter.

As phase one of the project ensues, more noticeable changes are present along Ohio Street for the start of the levee project.

Marietta Development Director Geoff Schenkel said they are focusing work along Ohio Street starting at the intersection with Second Street.

“The focus right now is to get the electrical lines away from the view of the river,” said Schenkel. “The goal is to have an unobstructed view of the river.”

He said they are removing the visible electric lines and moving them underground. AEP Ohio is doing work on Green Street to utilize both underground and aboveground electrical wiring for nearby businesses.

(Photo by Art Smith) A road closed sign on Ohio Street will be in place while phase one of construction is underway for the levee project in Marietta.

“Another part of phase one is redoing the retaining wall and Ohio Street itself from Second Street to the fountain,” he said. “It’s going to be completely rebuilt with drainage and cross slope.”

Cross slope is defined as the tilt from one side of a pavement to the other and it assists with drainage on roadways.

Schenkel said construction will rebuild the cross slope and put in proper layers for bricks to be placed on. The goal is to remove any steep or uneven slopes in the road and ensure the pavements are ADA certified.

Phase one is expected to conclude early to mid spring with the entire project required to be completed in September. Schenkel said they have a scheduled deadline with the Appalachian Community Grant Program.

“There’s been construction for a little bit now but it’s starting to become more eye-catching,” he said.

There will be signage with detour instructions and updated traffic patterns that are clear and concise for people driving through the area.

The community can expect gradual changes over the upcoming months.