by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Dump trucks and construction barrels have become commonplace for a section of North Main Street since November 2007, causing lane closures, traffic slowdowns and a general eyesore to local motorists and businesses.
But there is good news: everything is right on track for the North Main Street improvements from 4th Street to 12th Street to be done on time.
“We’re still on schedule and there haven’t been any hitches,” said Uwe Kadlecik, a full-time inspector on the project from HDR Consulting. “It hasn’t been too bad.”
Even the near-daily rain storms recently haven’t slowed down the project.
“They actually keep the dust down,” said Kadlecik, who credited project contractor J.B. Coxwell for keeping things on schedule – and on budget.
The $14 million project is expected to stay that way, said Kadlecik.
According to Tom McKnight of the City’s Public Works Department, the Main Street improvement project is 30 percent complete and is multifaceted, composed of a series of needed improvements such as infrastructure work, above-ground roadwork and JEA mandated improvements.
Nearly two dozen site workers are on the job daily beginning around 9 a.m. and wrapping up around 4 p.m. Additionally, all affected businesses have been given entryways for points of access.
Last Friday began the next phase of the project, one that included a slightly different traffic pattern, barrel alignment and situation that motorists will need to adjust.
“What they (motorists) see now is what it’s going to be like for the next three months or so,” said Kadlecik.
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