The intersection of Cleveland Street and Osceola Avenue with its new surface of decorative terra-cotta colored concrete has reopened to north-south traffic. Most of the sidewalk pavers on the south Cleveland Street sidewalks from Osceola Avenue to Ft. Harrison Avenue have been installed, and crews are busy this week working on the north side pavers beginning with the front entrance to the AmSouth building. Concrete work is also progressing on the Cleveland Street median, as are concrete planters, irrigation and electrical work. The block is slated for completion the first week in March.
With the Garden Avenue and Cleveland Street intersection still closed for storm drain work, Cleveland Street remains completely closed from East Avenue to Ft. Harrison Avenue. 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, although mid-block crossings are marked with orange safety fences in the Ft. Harrison Avenue and Garden Avenue blocks for pedestrian convenience.
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.
Stakeholders and interested parties can take advantage of free coffee that will be offered at the next Hard Hat meeting Thursday, Feb. 22, 8 a.m. The meeting will be at Starbucks, 433 Cleveland St., corner of Ft. Harrison Avenue.