The second phase of the Broadway streetscape project is one step closer to becoming a reality.

The Albert Lea City Council this week ordered a feasibility report for the resurfacing of the road, also known as U.S. Highway 65, from Main Street south to Interstate 35.

The proposed project would be a joint city and Minnesota Department of Transportation project and follows the reconstruction last year of the north end of the road, from Main Street to Fountain Street.

City Manager Chad Adams said cost estimates for the second phase have not yet been determined and will likely be included in the feasibility report. The report will also look into how the project will be paid for.

In addition to a mill and overlay of Broadway, the project includes replacing medians and sidewalks on Main Street from Newton Avenue to Euclid Avenue.

It would also extend the streetscape features on Broadway from Main Street south to Front Street, including new light poles, flower pots and benches. Adams emphasized there would not be bumpouts in this portion.

Construction on the first phase of the project concluded this spring with the completion of the redevelopment of Fountain Lake Park. The park portion alone was $400,000, while the entire project was more than $4.5 million.