Sandy sidewalks are giving way to bright, new pavers along the Cleveland Street streetscape as crews continue making progress on the north side of the block between Ft. Harrison and Garden avenues. On the south side, workers are installing bases for sign poles, planter wells and irrigation, and plan to begin paver installation as soon as the north sidewalk is complete. At Watterson Avenue just east of Ft. Harrison Avenue, crews are grading the roadway in preparation for the tumbled paver crosswalks typical for this project. Curbing installation for the median and decorative planters is expected to begin within the next week to ten days, and completion of the entire block is scheduled for early June. In the Osceola Avenue to Ft. Harrison Avenue block, motorists will note that the final layer of asphalt has been laid and striping on the roadway is complete. High wattage streetlights have also been installed at the intersections of Osceola Avenue and Garden Avenue.
The Ft. Harrison Avenue to Garden Avenue block remains completely closed where streetscape work is still in progress. Motorists are reminded to observe road closure signs, especially during work hours when barricades may have been moved aside for construction vehicle access. Drivers should also use caution around the Station Square condominium construction site where lanes shift, and the sidewalk remains closed to pedestrians there.
Patrons may take advantage of two hours of free parking in the Garden Avenue Garage, additional parking along Osceola Avenue between the Main Library and Cleveland Street, and designated parking spaces on Cleveland Street from Osceola to Ft. Harrison avenues. 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.
There will be no Hard Hat meeting in April. The next Hard Hat meeting is 8 a.m., Thursday, May 31, at The Rabbit Hole, 425 Cleveland St. Free coffee will be available, and officials will be on hand to answer the public's questions regarding the project.
