Rob Lauer of Warren, who works for Maderitz Concrete of Girard, smooths out concrete on the plaza area in front of the U.S. District Courthouse on Market Street downtown Wednesday. Behind him are completed and nearly completed bollards, which are mounted in the ground to provide safety against vehicles hitting the building. Project completion is scheduled for next month.....Staff photo / Ed Runyan

YOUNGSTOWN — Eight months after the exterior renovation of Thomas D. Lambros Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse at Market and Front streets began, it is closing in on completion.

Recently, fencing near the front entrance to the building was removed after a handicapped-accessible stairway and decorative pavers were installed on the plaza in front of the building.

Work continues on the south side of the building along Front Street to complete installation of bollards that will ring around Market and Front streets and provide safety.

The south side of the building also will get new decorative pavers, as well as a retention pond.

John Frame of Dawn Inc. of Warren, the general contractor for the project, said he expects the project to be complete by the end of May.

Frame said pedestrian bridges are also expected to be added at a few locations to provide a safe passage for pedestrians to cross the street from the federal courthouse to the Mahoning County Courthouse and other locations.

Part of the project was to remove trees along Market and Front streets. Replacement trees have been planted in the finished section.

The three-story courthouse was constructed in 1995.

erunyan@vindy.com