The intersection of Cleveland Street and Osceola Avenue is expected to reopen to north-south traffic by Monday, Feb. 12. Motorists crossing the intersection will note the latest improvements, including attractive, terra cotta-colored concrete accenting the intersection roadway. Crews have completed most street curbing, and sidewalk pavers are still being installed. Areas where planters, streetlights and other amenities will be located are now visible along the first block of the streetscape project. Construction of this block is on schedule for completion, except for plantings and a final layer of pavement, by the first week in March.
Cleveland Street has reopened to two-way traffic between Myrtle and East avenues, however the roadway is still completely closed from East Avenue to Ft. Harrison Avenue as storm drain and utility work continues eastward, and streetscape work from Osceola Avenue to Ft. Harrison Avenue continues. While the Osceola Avenue intersection will reopen shortly, the Garden Avenue intersection remains closed. Storm drain work at Garden Avenue and Cleveland Street is expected to take at least another week. All road closures and detours are clearly marked. Pedestrians will notice intermittent sidewalk closures on the north side of Cleveland Street, particularly in areas where utility work is underway. Pedestrian crossings and detours are also marked.
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 for stakeholders and interested parties will be Thursday, Feb. 22, 8 a.m., at Starbucks, 433 Cleveland St., corner of Ft. Harrison Avenue. Free coffee will be served.