2012 was a year marked by major accomplishments for the city of Jefferson.

The two biggest projects that were both finished at almost the same time was the construction of the new four-lane overpass and the downtown square renovations.  City Administrator Mike Palmer says that the overpass project was about a $9.1 million structure, but it was a much needed asset to the community.  The public no longer has to wait for trains that cut right through the middle of the city and it stood up well to the first major snowfall of the year.  Palmer comments who is responsible for removal of snow on the overpass.

“The State shovels off the overpass and the city does the ten-foot walkway that’s on the side.  We got that all figured out and it went very, very well the first time.”

The 1100-foot, eight-month overpass project is about 95% completed with minor details left to work on Palmer adds.

The other major construction project that was completed was the downtown square renovations.  During that project, the city saw installation of new sidewalks, new curbs and gutter system, new lighting and a sound system throughout the entire downtown area.  Palmer says that the new sound system is something different that both the city and county wanted.

“So when we have events like the Bell Tower Festival, if there’s a speaker or something going on on the plaza in front of the courthouse, the sound system will be able to carry that whole thing all the way through the square.”

Other projects for 2012 were demolitions of homes and commercial properties and replacing all the street and city signs with new rails and replacing residential curbs and sidewalks.  Palmer says that he’s looking forward to 2013 and Jefferson to continue to grow.