Traffic lane reductions to begin for City Hall fountain improvement project

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Traffic will soon be reduced to one lane on Walter Welsh Avenue north of St. Joseph's City Hall.

The closure comes as work begins Monday, Nov. 10, on a planned City Hall fountain improvement project.

The north lane of the one-way street will be closed to allow demolition to begin on the existing fountain located on the north side of City Hall, between Walter Welsh and Frederick Avenues.

The lane closest to the building will remain open and ADA-accessible parking in front of City Hall will still be available. The City Hall parking lot will still remain accessible throughout construction.

The $190,000 Capital Improvement Program project includes a complete demolition of the existing fountain and retaining wall.

The site will be regraded to street level to improve visibility and pedestrian safety. A new fountain and circular sidewalks with benches will be constructed in its place.

The "No Turning Back" statue, currently located on the site, will be reinstalled as part of the new design.

The fountain project is scheduled for completion in April 2026.