The first block of the Cleveland Street Streetscape is complete and city officials will celebrate with a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, March 16, 11 a.m., at the intersection of Osceola Avenue and Cleveland Street. The public is invited to the event that will include a ceremonial street stroll and entertainment. Specially labeled bottled water and chocolate bars with area restaurant coupons will be distributed. Attendees are encouraged to explore the new streetscape and support downtown businesses that have remained open during construction.
Work on the intersection of Ft. Harrison Avenue and Cleveland Street is expected to be completed within the next week and a half, and motorists can look forward to having it open to north and southbound traffic. Crews are currently pouring the distinctive colored concrete and finalizing details at the intersection.
Storm drain work is expected to be complete at the intersection of Garden Avenue and Cleveland Street by the end of next week. Crews are now making adjustments to utility and water lines that cross Cleveland Street and plan to install an asphalt patch before reopening the intersection to north and southbound traffic there.
As storm drain work continues to the east, the sidewalk remains closed on the north side of Cleveland Street from the Garden Avenue intersection to the U.S. Post Office. Just west of the post office, work is proceeding on the Station Square Condominium project and the sidewalk is closed in front of it. Safety fences route pedestrians around construction areas, particularly in intersections, and all detours are clearly 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 is 8 a.m., Thursday, March. 29, at Constant Cravings, 516 Cleveland St. Free coffee will be available, and officials will be on hand to answer the public's questions regarding the project.
