RADFORD – Work on improvements to the central business district of West Main Street have been put on hold until March.
At a recent Radford City Council meeting, Interim Radford City Manager David Ridpath reported to council members that this winter’s cold weather and frequent precipitation has delayed the project on several occasions, leading to the decision to wait until March to resume work on the project.
“Work on the north side of West Main Street between Randolph and Harvey Streets was completed in late fall, while construction on the south side of the street was intended to proceed under good winter weather conditions,” explained Becky Hawke, public information coordinator for the City of Radford. “Instead, plans have been hampered by 18-inch snowfalls, steady rains, and an extended forecast that does not appear any more promising.”
Hawke said weather conditions will be reevaluated on March 1, with the project resuming as soon as possible.
“When work recommences, the shift in traffic lanes near the intersection with Arlington Ave. will be reinstated to ensure work crews and the general public remain protected,” she added.
The completed West Main Street project will include new sidewalks, street lighting, trees, benches, planters for flowers, trash receptacles, patterned crosswalks, corrective drainage and storm water runoff improvements, new water service lines and meters to some properties, and repaving of the street.
“These enhancements will not only improve the overall look of the business district, but will also place an emphasis on the pedestrian nature of the area while continuing to manage traffic on VA Route 232,” Hawke’s statement reads.
Funding for the $256,000 project is through federal Community Development Block Grant funds, which the city receives each year.