The downtown construction project originally contracted for in November 2006 with H.T. Bowling of Radford, and scheduled for completion 12 months later is a bit behind schedule. Actually, this project was initially slated to occur in 2003, so it is more than a wee bit behind schedule.
The Assistant Town Manager reported last week that another snag has come up, stating "The bolts are at 45 degrees off from where they should be for the light poles. The contractor and manufacturer are trying to work out a solution." Town crews are working on cross walk signs and the painted walkways do draw attention to these crossings. Additionally, as is typical in this type of project, a few of the newly planted trees have not fared well and will be replaced.
Because the county has now voted to begin construction of a new courthouse about midway between Franklin and Pepper streets on East Main, the town will only continue with this renovation along the north side of East Main from the town hall up to the town square area. This was originally part of Phase I, with renovations to the town square remaining a still unfunded portion of the overall project. The county has been asked to incorporate the south side of East Main into its construction project.
Christiansburg administrators continue to apply for T21 federal grants, which are getting smaller and have more competition (while construction costs continue to escalate unchecked). Currently, the town has accumulated approximately $560,000 in grants, and with the approval of the fiscal year 2008-09 town budget, has set aside required matching funds of $100,000 for the north side of East Main. In today's dollars, $2 million is needed to complete the project based on estimated costs.
The town square portion of the project was reviewed, looking at whether breaking it into more phases was feasible. Due to storm drains and traffic signals, this didn't appear to be a viable solution for expediting that portion of the project.
Some may lament that the town's "grand reopening" won't have all tasks of just one portion of the overall project completed, but after five (5) years of rough roads and sidewalks, what has been finished is looking pretty sharp.
June 14th is Flag Day and will be a nice time for our community to visit the downtown area and celebrate what has been accomplished, while remaining hopeful the entire downtown renovation plan (developed in 1998) comes to fruition as soon as possible.