Statesboro's Downtown Streetscape project will be causing a few more delays on East Main Street in the next few weeks as the project moves farther west and further towards completion.
    Over the remainder of the week and throughout next week, Streetscape contractor Y-Delta Inc. will begin installing crosswalks across East Main and Oak Streets, which could cause some delays for drivers that utilize those downtown roads.
    Assistant City Engineer and Streetscape Project Manager Brad Deal said despite the weather delays the project is really starting to take shape and people can start to imagine what the final product will look like. He said the section of the Streetscape project that is nearly complete — from the railroad tracks to Oak Street on East Main Street — is operating according to specifications.
    “Everything so far has gone according to plan,” Deal said.”Obviously, we still have to finish the landscaping and get the striping down, but everything seems to be functioning well.”
    Deal also said people expressed concern about the new width of the street, which was reduced slightly to help slow traffic organically, but he said he's received very positive feedback and traffic seems to be flowing smoothly through the area.
    The contractor is currently working to complete the new curbing in front of the Averitt Center on the north side of East Main Street between Siebald and Oak streets. As they put the finishing touches on the curbs, construction will being on the installation of the crosswalk which bridges Oak Street. While crews are working on that crosswalk, Oak Street will be closed to traffic, likely through the end of the week.
    Starting early next week, crews will begin working on the second crosswalk that crosses East Main Street near the Oak Street intersection. While they are working on installing the concrete foundation and topping that with brick pavers, portions of East Main Street will be closed to traffic. Commuters using East Main Street on a regular basis should plan an alternate route next week, Deal said.
    Once the crosswalks are completed, demolition teams will begin to disassemble the existing sidewalk between Siebald and Oak Streets. Then crews will being installing the new concrete pads for the sidewalk and prepare for the installation of brick pavers and edgers throughout that section. Once the new sidewalk is in place, the contractor will grind down the asphalt between North Main and Oak Street, then begin preparation to install four crosswalks at the intersection of East Main and North Main Streets right in front of the Bulloch County courthouse.
    Allen Muldrew, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority, said he likes what he sees so far and can't wait to see the finished product.
    “I think it looks great ad the improvements will be a great addition to the downtown atmosphere,” Muldrew said. “When the city starts planting the trees, you'll see a real softening and greening of downtown, which will really make the whole area stand out.”