BY LANCE GAITHER

lance.gaither@bluegrassnewsmedia.com

Work on the Downtown Streetscape project continues with the new furnishings, such as benches and flower planters, being installed as work on the sidewalks wrap up.

Sidewalk construction on South Third Street and North Fourth Street is expected to continue into to mid-August, according to city engineer Josh Morgan.

The final step will be installing the new traffic signals once they arrive in October.

Morgan said he hoped the project would be finished before the July 4th holiday, but explained that multiple factors have led to the delays. He stated that crews are doing what work they can, but issues with weather and delayed deliveries of construction materials have slowed progress.

Morgan also said that when working underground there are many unknown elements such as unmarked utility or telecommunication lines that have also affected the project’s timeline.

“We are happy they are making sure the project is done right,” said community liaison Melanie Crossfield. “We are nearing the end and traffic impacts are lessening every day.”