Grand Island, Neb. -- The Grand Island Utilities Department took a major step forward on June 13 with the installation of new light poles along 4th Street—marking a significant milestone for the 4th Street Business Improvement District.
The upgraded lighting is part of a broader effort to enhance safety, visibility, and the overall experience for visitors and businesses in the corridor. With crews working steadily throughout the day, the first of the new poles were raised, casting a literal and symbolic light on the revitalization taking shape in the area.
“The future is ‘bright’ at the 4th Street Business Improvement District,” GIUD noted in a Facebook post. “Today we began installing the new light poles to improve overall lighting throughout 4th Street!”
The project represents collaboration between utility crews, city planners, and local stakeholders who have long advocated for improvements to the district. Once complete, the lighting upgrade will support ongoing downtown development, create a more welcoming atmosphere, and strengthen nighttime safety for pedestrians and drivers alike.
“I think the lighting is important," Grand Island City Councilmember Chuck Haase added. "Fourth Street has to have its own district and they need to have their own spin on how they want it to look. The first thing is just the safety features of having lighting so that whole Fourth Street district is covered with lights and then they can turn around and they can add banners and other things to these poles.”
For residents and business owners along 4th Street, the sight of new poles going up is more than just infrastructure—it’s a visible sign of progress and pride in one of Grand Island’s most active and historic corridors.
