StreetScape continues timely trend

In order to reopen a portion of Wall St. to motorists on Friday, Kissick Construction Operator Steve Branson washes dirt and debris off the Road which was previously blocked off in order to install a new water line. -- Rayma Silvers/Tribune Photo

By Rayma Silvers

The Fort Scott Tribune

Despite several days of scorching temperatures, in addition to a few other minor obstacles, the Downtown StreetScape project is still on schedule.

During the StreetScape project's weekly update meeting conducted Tuesday at the Heritage Park Pavilion, Kissick Construction Company Project Superintendent Mike Eddings outlined some of the StreetScape program's upcoming projects.

If everything goes as planned, construction workers will begin digging open trenches in order to prepare for the installation of new water lines on Scott Avenue early next week. Early next week, project workers will begin the construction of a sanitary sewer line in the alley between First and Wall Streets, creating the need for the alley to be closed.

Depending on several factors, the removal of some of the street lights on Main Street from First Street to North Main Street could begin as early as next week, Eddings said.

Another project beginning soon on Main Street, according to Eddings, is the installation of a new water line. However, Eddings said most of the work will be done underground, leaving the road open for traffic.

"There will be no trench dug and very minimal brick removal (on Main St.)," Eddings said.

In a couple of weeks, Eddings said the intersection at Main Street and First Street will possibly be closed for a short time in order to complete underground work in that location.

Also at the meeting, Eddings explained about some of the projects that have already been completed. Construction workers have successfully installed sanitary sewers at both the Courtland Hotel and Aveda Day Spa, and Darlene's Antiques and Collectibles.

"They are both attached and in good working order," Eddings said.

Eddings said he and his workers have completely installed new water lines at the corner of First and Wall Streets. Although the new water lines are not in use yet, they are ready to be hooked into the existing water main.

Because of the upcoming concert that will feature Downhere, a Christian rock group from Canada, scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. Friday, July 25 at the Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main St, special preparations are being made to accommodate parking for the event. According to Eddings, concert attendees will be able to use a portion of First Street between Main Street and Scott Street in order to gain access to the parking lot located directly behind the Heritage Park Pavilion.

Eddings said that portion of First Street will be blocked off again on Monday for the completion of construction work.