Construction Update - February 4, 2010

Despite the weather, we have continued to make progress, particularly on the 100 Block of S. Gay Street. Even in the worst weather we have been completing some of the utility work underground on both sides of the street. We are still planning to begin work on the eastern sidewalk on both the Vine Avenue end of the street as well as the sidewalk in front of the Emporium beginning on Monday. With the weather being as it is and with First Friday coming up this weekend, we thought it best to just wait until Monday to begin this construction. At the Emporium, work will begin first thing Monday morning up to the entrance and then the Contractor plans to work after 5:00pm and into the night to get past the doorway such that a bridge will be in place by Tuesday morning into the Emporium. It will take some work to remove the existing glass panels in this area as we intend to reuse them. The glass panels, when replaced, will be flush with the new sidewalk which will be a great improvement. I believe they are also spaced differently with additional glass panels planned as well. The very first section of new roadway is scheduled to be poured tomorrow in front of the former VMC building and as construction progresses, the plan is to construct the roadway concurrently on the western side of the road.The next three pictures reflect the current conditions.

Construction of the 200 Block is almost finished and the sidewalks should be reopened by today. All that is left here is the 2 inch topcoat and colored bands to be poured when the temperatures allow. The roadway itself cannot be reopened back for traffic until we complete the Vine Avenue intersection construction. This work involves KUB water service as well as AT&T and will require much timing. Additionally it is an area where we have several crosswalks which will use the colored concrete so that also takes extra time.

We plan to begin this work sometime in March and will likely take up to three weeks to complete.

The Contractor has used crew time wisely and has been able to keep all of his crews working consistently. The picture above is of the new curbing at the entrance to Fire Street

Additional work that will likely occur soon involves the old sidewalk along Treble Clef park ( see picture above).

Issues in discussion currently are future sidewalk use agreements both on new sidewalk and on the older sidewalks below, and also the condition and issues with the facade in front of the old WNOX building.

Please don't forget First Friday this week and the opening of the “Headlights and Streetlights” art exhibit featuring Mike C. Berry and Bobbie Crews at the Emporium. Many other exciting events are also planned on the 100 Block as well as the rest of downtown so please come downtown this Friday and help us celebrate the great artists we have in our community while patronizing the many shops and restaurants. I hope to see you there.

I am planning a press release soon on the next Streetscapes meeting to be held at the Emporium on February 16, 2010 at 5:00pm . Please make plans to attend.

Thanks for your interest.