Construction of the Grant Avenue Parkway improvements is progressing on schedule with work in section 2 of the parkway route (Sunshine to Ildereen) nearing completion and construction in section 3 (Catalpa to Grand) and 4 (Grand to State) began in March.
Section 2
Construction work continues in section 2 between Sunshine and Ildereen for utility work, construction of the multi-use path, some curb and driveways and a new signal at Portland.
Next week, City Utilities Electric Division expects to begin converting service from overhead electric lines to newly installed underground lines. This work is anticipated to last 3-4 weeks and may impact individual residents’ electrical service. Residences that may experience a brief outage will be notified via door hanger in advance.
When electrical work is completed in section 2, two-way traffic may be restored for a time. Construction of the multi-use path in this section is awaiting final acquisition of a small number of necessary easements. As soon as these easements are clear, the contractor will move forward with construction of the path which is expected to take two to three weeks.
“It’s difficult to estimate how long it will take to acquire easements needed for any project. With the large number of properties involved in GAP Section Two, it’s taken a bit longer than we originally anticipated,” explains Public Works Project Manager Leree Reese. “We also ran into some weather conditions that impacted the schedule slightly. Aside from that, construction has progressed relatively smoothly and we’re excited to wrap up as soon as we can and move the operation north to the next sections.”
Sections 3 & 4
Utility work inside the City’s right-of-way began in section 3 (between Catalpa Street and Grand Street) and into section 4 (between Grand Street and State Street) began in March. This work requires a lane closure through both sections to allow one-way southbound traffic only. Northbound traffic is detoured to Campbell Avenue. Motorists are advised to watch for message boards providing details of this closure and obey all posted construction signage.
Construction in section 3 is expected to continue through fall.