Street Projects - Frequently Asked Questions

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How will the construction affect traffic and parking in my neighborhood? 

Temporary no-parking zones may be established during construction in both business and residential areas. They will be designated by signs at the curb. There may also be short-term lane, street, or sidewalk closures. This typically lasts just a few hours, and at most a day. 

The contractor is also responsible for providing proper access to homes and businesses during construction.  

 

How long will this work take? 

Street Paving 

Street paving is a two-step process; therefore, you will need to move your car two times (so look for the posted signs!) 

  • Step 1: Grinding. This lasts just a few hours, but it will be noisy and dusty. After this is done, you can park on the street again. 
  • Step 2: Paving. This also takes one day. You will need to move your car. Temporarily striping or taping will be applied to the street until the permanent striping is placed. 

Permanent Striping 

  • Typically, the process takes a few hours, and less than a day along designated street segments, may be performed at night. If possible, the contractor will divert traffic to the other lane; otherwise, there will be a minor detour in place while the contractor is in the street and to allow time for the paint to dry. 

 

When can I start driving my car on the street?

You can usually drive on the road shortly after each phase of construction:

  • After grinding: Once the grinding is complete, the road is safe to drive on. Just use caution, as the surface may be uneven.
  • After paving: You can drive on the newly paved road once the contractors have finished their work and cleared the area. This typically means the pavement has cooled and cured enough for traffic.

 

 

I want exact dates, why does my construction notice say, "tentatively scheduled"?

When a construction notice lists a date range as “tentatively scheduled,” it means the timeline may shift. Contractors are often working in multiple areas at once, and progress can vary. They may finish early in some locations or experience delays in others.

Because of this, the best way to know when work will actually begin on your street is to watch for "No Parking" signs. These signs are posted shortly before work starts at least 72 hours prior and reflect the most up-to-date schedule.

 

 

What are the working hours for the construction crews? 

8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. unless approved by the City.

 

 

In the event of an emergency will police cars, fire trucks and ambulances be able to get to my home during construction? 

Yes. In the event of an emergency, the contractor will assist emergency vehicles as needed to provide access to all buildings and residences. All fire hydrants are kept in service during construction in the event of an emergency 

 

 

What should I do if my property is damaged during the construction project? 

The property owner should contact the City's Project Manager to provide information and initiate the claims process. Near the end of each project, the Construction Manager prepares a "punch list" of final repairs, upgrades and enhancements needed to complete the job. Most minor repairs are made by the contractor at this time. 

 

What will happen to the trash enclosures in Parking Lot A?

All trash enclosures will be removed and replaced during the work period. City staff and the contractor will work with affected businesses to ensure the temporary relocations of bins are relocated safely and that any interruptions to access are minimized.

 

What will happen to the on-street dining decks on Pier Avenue?

Any on-street dining decks located in the project area will need to be temporarily removed by the business owner, as part of outdoor dining permit agreement. The City anticipates dining deck removal will need to be completed by the end of March or early April. City staff will work with the affected businesses separately to discuss this process and timing.

How will we be communicated about construction?

Staff will issue project communications through a variety of methods to raise awareness. Notifications of construction would be issued on social media and through the distribution of construction notices to directly impacted residents and businesses prior to the beginning of construction.

 


What is a sharrow?

A sharrow is a pavement marking used to indicate that a lane is shared by both bicyclists and motor vehicles. The symbol features a bicycle with two chevrons (arrows) above it and is often highlighted with a green background to increase visibility. The green color helps the markings stand out on the pavement and is used to highlight areas where motorists and cyclists interact. Sharrows are important because they remind drivers to be aware of cyclists and to share the road safely. Unlike bike lanes, sharrows do not designate a specific lane for cyclists but help guide them through traffic and ensure that everyone on the road is conscious of the shared space.