If you’ve noticed fresh concrete, patches of new sod, or construction crews along neighborhood streets lately, you’re not imagining things. Sidewalk upgrades are underway in several parts of Mobile as the city continues work through its Capital Improvement Program.
Mayor **Spiro Cheriogotis** highlighted the progress during his regular *Good Evening, Mobile!* update Friday, pointing to multiple streets where crews have already been at work.
The projects focus on something simple but important: improving sidewalks, fixing damaged panels, and making everyday walking routes smoother and safer.
Several neighborhoods have already seen activity, and more areas are lined up as the work continues throughout the year.
Midtown Streets See Recent Activity
Over the past few weeks, much of the action has taken place in Midtown.
Construction crews have been working along **Bienville Avenue, Hannon Avenue, and Montauk and Hallett streets**, where sidewalk repairs and improvements are currently underway. Workers have also been installing fresh sod along the newly improved areas, giving the streets a clean and polished look once construction wraps up.
Projects like these often involve replacing older sections of sidewalk that have cracked or shifted over time. Crews remove the worn panels, prepare the ground beneath, and pour new concrete that lines up evenly with surrounding sections.
The result: sidewalks that feel smooth underfoot and look refreshed along the street.
Midtown residents may also notice improved edges along the walkways, helping the sidewalks blend neatly with nearby lawns and landscaping.
Crews Focus on Safety Near Downtown
Another round of improvements has been happening closer to the downtown area.
City crews have been working around **Common Street and Conti Street**, where damaged sidewalk panels have been removed and replaced. The goal is straightforward: eliminate tripping hazards and make walking routes easier to navigate.
Over time, sidewalks can shift due to tree roots, ground movement, or years of daily use. When that happens, uneven surfaces can appear. Replacing those panels helps restore a smooth path for pedestrians.
Small fixes like these can make a big difference along busy corridors where people walk between offices, restaurants, shops, and nearby destinations.
The updated sidewalks also improve accessibility, making it easier for strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility devices to move along the path.
Drainage and Roadway Improvements Along DIP Service Road
Sidewalk work isn’t the only project happening under the Capital Improvement Program.
Crews have also been working along the **DIP Service Road**, where new curbs are being formed as part of drainage improvements. These curbs help direct rainwater away from the roadway and improve the overall flow of stormwater during heavy rains.
Better drainage helps protect roads from long-term wear and reduces standing water along busy routes.
Construction teams carefully shape and pour the curbs before allowing them to cure. Once complete, the improved edges strengthen the roadway while helping water move efficiently toward drainage systems.
Projects like this may happen quietly, but they play a key role in keeping streets functioning smoothly during Gulf Coast downpours.
More Sidewalk Upgrades on the Way
Additional sidewalk replacements are also happening along **Roosevelt Avenue, Clinton Street, and Highland Woods Drive**, where crews have been installing new sections of walkway.
The work is part of a broader effort funded through Mobile’s **Capital Improvement Program**, often referred to as the CIP.
Each year, the program directs funding toward infrastructure projects across all seven City Council districts. Sidewalk repairs, road resurfacing, drainage upgrades, and similar improvements fall under the program’s umbrella.
This year alone, nearly **$17 million is set aside for local street improvements** through the CIP.
City leaders say the program helps tackle long-standing maintenance needs across Mobile’s infrastructure. Many streets, sidewalks, and drainage systems require updates after decades of use, and the ongoing projects help gradually work through that list.
Mayor Cheriogotis said the progress comes through collaboration between city staff and members of the City Council, who work together to move projects forward.
Construction crews will continue appearing in different parts of the city throughout the year. If your street hasn’t seen orange cones yet, it may simply be next in line as the work continues block by block.
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