Deerpath and Bank Lane projects on track for Oct. 31 reopening; ribbon cutting Nov. 8

City engineering staff told the City Council on Oct. 20 that work on the Deerpath and Bank Lane streetscape projects is largely complete and that the city remains on schedule to reopen the roadway on Oct. 31, with a community ribbon cutting planned for Nov. 8.

Engineering Superintendent Byron Coutts walked council through remaining construction activities, including grinding and paving of adjacent streets, completion of crosswalks and masonry walls, installation of lighting fixtures and street furniture, and paving sequencing. “We are still confident in opening the road on October 31,” Coutts said.

Coutts outlined the immediate schedule: grinding of selected lots and segments would start the next day, followed by paving and striping mid‑week; the contractor retained to place Deerpath paving was expected to begin final prep work toward the end of the week with paving to follow. He said staff was watching a near‑term rain forecast but believed remaining work could be sequenced around weather impacts.

Coutts also noted a supply delay for decorative bollards that were ordered early in the project; the manufacturer advised a probable delivery around Oct. 28. If bollards are not in place for the reopening, staff said they will “box out” locations and return to set the bollards with minimal brick replacement if needed.

The city has scheduled a Nov. 8 ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on Bank Lane with a related “passport” shopping promotion to run through Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29. Coutts said the city will continue final punch‑list work after the reopening and will use city crews to help install final benches and street furniture where appropriate.

Ending: Staff asked the public to expect continuing final work after the Oct. 31 reopening and invited the community to the Nov. 8 celebration.