The Washington City Council took a further step in the East Washington Street Sidewalk Project.

The council approved a preliminary resolution to move forward with constructing a sidewalk of about 2500 lineal feet from the sidewalk’s current end to Walmart on July 17th. The council voted Wednesday to adopt the plat, schedule and estimate of cost for the project.

Council member Steven Gault suggested additional lighting be installed at this proposed sidewalk, “I make a suggestion to all council members to drive by there after the sun goes down, and figure out if it’s dark and think about you or you walking that sidewalk at night.”

City Administrator Brent Hinson said the council could assess the lighting situation and contact Alliant Energy to get additional lighting if they prefer, though it was not a required action at the recent meeting. The council approved setting a public hearing on a resolution of necessity on October 16th, and publication of notice of hearing and letters sent to affected property owners this week. Construction is expected to begin in April.