City: Downtown construction to start in July; utilities relocation set for July 13

City Manager Elizabeth Berlett said the city completed a large preconstruction meeting for the downtown reconstruction project that included multiple departments, utilities and the city's consultant, GPI Engineering. She described a tightly coordinated schedule for utility relocations and contractor work.

Berlett said Liberty Gas is slated to begin utility relocations on July 13 and Casella Construction Company is scheduled to start the downtown contractor work on July 27, though Liberty indicated meeting the July 13 timeline may be difficult and some overlap between the two contractors is possible. "Everyone who's communicating wants to make sure they're communicating accurate information," Berlett said, stressing the importance of timely coordination among agencies and contractors.

To reduce vehicle congestion and keep equipment nearby during the multi-year project, the city plans to stage construction equipment on a gravel/paved lot on Gilboa Ave; the lot will be fenced and an access agreement is being negotiated. Berlett said the equipment is likely to remain staged there for approximately three years while downtown work continues.

Berlett also said the city’s consultant and departments reviewed contract compliance items and coordination protocols during the preconstruction meeting to reduce delays once work begins. Residents are being advised to expect staged equipment, occasional lane impacts, and timed utility work as the project progresses.