Getting Over That First Hurdle: Like this worker who is stepping across the bar, the first block of Streetscape is nearing completion. The road surface is expected to be laid within the next week or so, and a block opening celebration is planned for March 16.
From Osceola Avenue to Ft. Harrison Avenue, the Cleveland Street Streetscape is getting close to completion. The first layer of asphalt has been laid from the bluff to Ft. Harrison Avenue, and other amenities such as large pots have been placed on the sidewalk. The decorative stones surrounding the raised planter in the median have also been placed. Pavers are being installed in the median around the large planter, and crews are completing the gutters for surface drainage along the sides of the roadway. Lighting fixtures will be installed soon and irrigation conduits are clearly visible in planters. With completion expected the first week in March, officials are planning a ribbon cutting ceremony for this milestone at 11 a.m. March 16.
Storm drain work is continuing to the east, and Cleveland Street remains closed to traffic to East Avenue. The intersection of Cleveland Street and Garden Avenue remains closed as crews continue the installation of lateral storm lines, although the intersection is expected to reopen around March 12. A mid-block pedestrian crossing directs pedestrians to the south sidewalk around the lateral storm work at that intersection. The sidewalk is also closed on the north side of Cleveland Street from Station Square to the U.S. Post Office, and a mid-block crossing to the south sidewalk has been set up there.
Crews plan to close the Ft. Harrison Avenue and Cleveland Street intersection to install the distinctive colored concrete and pedestrian crossings with decorative pavers within the next couple of weeks. North-south traffic will be routed around the closure to Osceola Avenue and Myrtle Avenue.
Patrons may take advantage of two hours of free parking in the Garden Avenue Garage, or additional parking along Osceola Avenue between the Main Library and Cleveland Street. For further updates on construction, check out the city's website at www.myclearwater.com/downtown, or call the Streetscape construction office at 462 6126.
The next Hard Hat meeting is 8 a.m., Thursday, March. 29, location to be announced. Free coffee will be available.
