Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
The road construction projects currently underway in the city are moving ahead of schedule. The main project presently is on Horry Avenue. The infrastructure upgrades there are at a critical juncture, as approximately 85 percent of the upgrades are complete, which has been the most complicated part, according to City Manager Jerome Wyche.
The infrastructure portion deals with removing and replacing potable water-force mains (water lines), waste water- force mains, replacing manholes and securing natural gas lines. The contractors have worked to keep roadways open for access to citizens’ property and, weather permitting, the contractors will continue working diligently until all infrastructure upgrades are completed, before moving forward with part two of the project, which is the repaving of Horry Avenue.
Wyche and his staff are aware of the many challenges facing citizens as they seek to navigate through the areas of construction. “The City of Madison would like to thank the citizens for their patience as this project continues to move forward,” said Wyche. As the project continues to move in a northerly direction, there will still be some inconveniences with traffic, as normal parking schematics will be challenging. To complicate the road construction process, plans have been made to re-pave Washington and Shelby Avenues. “Unfortunately, we have to endure temporary hardships until the projects are finished,” said Wyche, who has worked for several years to bring these projects into reality. “I hope that citizens will be appreciative for all of the upgrades, once they are completed,” commented Wyche.
Anyone having questions or concerns about the paving projects should call City Hall at (850) 973-5081.