With roadwork going on all around town, those living in, working in or visiting Athens cannot seem to avoid the orange traffic cones and detour signs this summer.
The Athens Department of Engineering and Public Works has been overseeing a massive face-lift of Carpenter Street, including replacing the curb and gutter, increasing the street length, making concrete base repairs, adding concrete pavement to the intersection of Carpenter Street and Court Street, improving storm sewers and re-laying the classic bricks. In addition, workers installed a new gas line in a separate project earlier this summer.
We try to do these projects when there's the least traffic to be disrupted
said Andy Stone, director of the Athens Department of Engineering and Public Works.
The project is currently ahead of schedule - slated for completion on Aug. 28 - despite some trouble in June.
It was a little challenging to incorporate the gas line work with our work ... but in the end we'll be better off having done it all at once Stone said.
About $680,000 will be spent on the repairs and additions, paid for by both city income taxes and a state Issue I grant.
Stone acknowledged the frustration felt by visitors and locals alike, but urged drivers to be patient.
It's a necessary improvement. We'll have a beautiful street when we're done that will last for decades
he said.
Local businesses have also been affected by the construction on Carpenter Street. Lunch crowds have been down slightly because of access and ease of parking, but business has otherwise been better than anticipated, said Brad Wharton, owner of Broney's Alumni Grill.
Overall
it's had minimal impact
compared to what I expected it to be
he said. I've been extremely pleased with the pace with the construction. I understand that it needs to be done and I'm fine with that.
Employees of Family Dollar, which is surrounded by the construction, declined to comment.
Drivers in and around Athens have also been hit by traffic and closures on U.S. Route 50, where workers are repairing ramp joints, guardrails and bridges, in addition to pouring an asphalt overlay.
The project, which is slated to cost over $13.8 million, should be completed by October 2010.
The Ohio Department of Transportation's District 10, which encompasses much of southeastern Ohio, has created a Web page for each construction project, including U.S. Route 50. There, drivers can find weekly updates, detour information and pictures of construction to keep them informed at all times.
We try to be proactive in our communication
said David Rose, public information officer for District 10.
Rose also urged drivers to be patient with the construction delays and suggested planning ahead when travelling.
I'm a driver
just like everyone else - no one likes traffic or construction
but
without construction
