The West Main Street Improvement Project has hit a scheduling snag due to unpredictable winter weather.

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. Instead, plans have been hampered by snowfalls, steady rains, and an extended forecast that does not appear promising.

Thus after consulting with work crews, the City has decided to halt work on the project until March 1. Weather conditions will be reevaluated at that time and the project will resume as soon as possible.  

When work recommences, the shift in traffic lanes near the intersection with Arlington Avenue will be reinstated to ensure work crews and the general public remain protected.    

Once completed, improvements will include new sidewalks, street lighting, trees, benches, planters for flowers, trash receptacles, patterned crosswalks, corrective drainage and stormwater runoff in select areas, new water service lines and meters to properties as needed, 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 Virginia Route 232.

All funding for the $256,000 project will be provided by the Community Development Block Grant, a federally funded grant program that helps address community development needs. 

Despite the recent delays, final paving is still expected to take place during this summer’s construction season.