by Caleb Hood, Planning Manager, Community Development Department
By this time, nearly everyone knows about the Meridian Split Corridor Phase 2 (MSC2) project, scheduled for construction this fall. But did you know that right before the MSC2 project, this summer, ACHD is going to do some pretty major work on Main Street between Fairview Avenue and Ada Street downtown?
During construction of the MSC2 project, which is anticipated to begin in October 2012, Meridian Road will be closed to traffic between the railroad tracks and the Meridian/Cherry intersection. In preparation for Main Street handling addition traffic while Meridian Road is closed for construction to 5-lanes, ACHD will re-build Main Street.
The Main Street pavement and sub-base are failing and must be upgraded with a new road bed and asphalt. This maintenance project will remove the current road surface and replace it to improve quality and longevity. Due to the volume of traffic Main Street carries during daytime hours between Franklin and Fairview, combined with the numerous businesses along this stretch of road, this maintenance project will be constructed during nighttime hours, generally between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Working at night will minimize traffic restrictions for daytime motorists and business accesses when the area is busiest. Working at night sometimes creates negative impacts to nearby residents with construction noise and lighting—the contractor will try to minimize these impacts. It is likely that work on the pedestrian ramps in the area will occur during daytime hours. Construction of the Main Street pavement rehabilitation project is anticipated to begin in mid-July 2012 and last for approximately eight weeks.
Throughout roadway construction, I encourage you to continue to come downtown to shop, eat, and do business. Businesses all over downtown will be still be open during roadway construction and they need us to support them with not only our business, but also with words of encouragement. These downtown businesses will be greatly impacted. However, the short--term headaches and sacrifices they are making will benefit us all in the long run.