Work on the utilities improvement phase has been progressing well. Because of the efficient and skilled crews of the contractor, dry weather and assistance from James McCain and his quality men the utility work is ahead of schedule and on budget. Because the CRA funded work is ahead of schedule and because the Small Communities Development Block Grant funded work has not yet been given the final ok to proceed, the contractor will be beginning sewer work on Second Street. The sewer laterals will be replaced between the main and the curb. Sewer rehabilitation has started on the East end of Second Street and will be progressing West over the coming weeks. To provide the very least disruption to businesses the contractor will only close the street or divert traffic on a small portion of the street at a time. The sidewalks will also remain open. In addition the contractor has agreed to patch the street cuts on Second Street with asphalt to help ensure that the street is intact for events and traffic until the rebuilding and repaving starts. The rebuilding and repaving of the Second Street is scheduled to begin after the Spring Arts Festival. Road reconstruction and paving will also begin after Thanksgiving. The work will begin in the downtown residential area. This work will be very disruptive. Traffic will be detoured in the construction areas. The work will often be loud and dusty while the old asphalt is removed and the road base reconstructed. Crews will be working Monday thru Friday often from dawn to dusk. |