| | Photo C. Tyson
| | | | | | Orange cones form a sporadic millipede inching from First Street to Brown Avenue, keeping motorists away from excavated holes running down the center of Mt. Diablo Boulevard.
The project is technically called the "East end pedestrian/bike and streetscape improvements," which when complete will feature new brick paver crosswalks, curb ramps and new median islands that will include landscaping and decorative lights, along with the installation of benches and bike racks. Low bid winner Gordon N. Ball, Inc. of Alamo is slated to finish the work this February.
Prior to the project, business owners in the neighborhood voiced their concerns about the locations of the medians. Ultimately a compromise was reached that balanced beautifying the streetscape while allowing customers reasonable access to driveways on both sides of the road.
Drivers have already noticed some lane closures. Last week utility trenches at Second Street, along with irrigation and backfill, and street light electrical systems were installed in the median. Senior Engineer Farzaneh Sanders asks for "cooperation and extra patience," during the project and suggests being alert to the construction workers and equipment.
Detailed project updates are posted weekly on the city's website, www.lovelafayette.com - just click on Public Works and Construction, then Capital Improvement Program and look for the link.
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