February 5, 2009:


Over the last week we have had some more cooperation from Mother Nature. This has enabled crews to complete all the new parking lanes and sidewalk on the west side of the project. In addition, electrical crews were able to install new light poles in these areas as well. Utility crews are also making great progress on completing the large storm sewer pipe in the Iowa intersection.

We are hoping to have all underground utility work on the east side of Broadway at Iowa completed by the end of next week. This will allow for the complete removal of the old roadway and preparation of sub-grade for the new concrete paving, from just south of Iowa to tie into the new concrete at Florida. Crews are planning on placing the new concrete in this area on Tuesday, 2-16, or Wednesday, 2-17. Cold weather predicted for next week could impact this schedule but we are still optimistic. We will plan on the sidewalk replacement on the east side shortly thereafter. We will be coming around to discuss this with all shop owners next week.

We are also planning on shifting traffic next Wednesday, 2-10, on the north end of the project. This will shift all traffic on Broadway west to the new curb line. During this shift there will be no parking on the east side to allow traffic to run on that side while the old striping is removed and the new striping is placed on the new alignment. After we shift traffic, we will be milling all the old asphalt from the east side in the closed area. Please note that during this time we will not be able to provide parking in these areas, from Arkansas to Arizona. Once this is complete, we will be able to provide that parking again. We anticipate storm sewer and water main work to begin in these areas in the next couple of weeks. We will limit this work to one block at a time.

Please remember that all work is weather dependent.

Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation!