MONROE - The last chance for a public forum on the 8th Street Project attracted a gathering of just six to the Behring Senior Center Wednesday.
Rock Road Construction of Janesville has been working on the street since late March, though the busy road has been mostly accessible over the last six months. Contractor Bob Kennedy was present for the meeting to hear any concerns or questions from the public before workers leave the area.
"Hopefully a lot of the more noticeable things you still see out there will be taken care of by the end of this week," Kennedy said.
Decorative touches will be done throughout today and Friday, he added.
Culver's owner Della Hathaway brought up a concern about the outlet leading to 8th Street. She said because the lanes had been widened and the sidewalk was pushed back, the stop sign was also placed farther away from 8th Street, leaving Culver's plants blocking a driver's view of the street. She suggested the bushes may be pulled out, which still needs to be discussed with contractors this week.
Other business owners thought the process was positive.
Dairy Queen co-owner Mike Molinaro was impressed by how quickly the project finished once paving had been completed.
"It came together fast at the end," Molinaro said.
Jean Ruda of Ruda Toyota noted that some drivers had noticed along 4th Avenue West, 3rd Avenue and 1st Avenue that the lanes had been shifted to make the right turn lane the one for use to cross the intersection as well.
Director of Public Works Al Gerber said the shifts were done to align both sides. He added that because the new traffic lights can recognize when vehicles are stopped, the change should aid in keeping traffic on the move.
Ruda added that the newly revitalized street "looks great."
Kennedy acknowledged the inconvenience of the work but echoed past sentiments of gratitude at the patience of city residents and business owners.
"I appreciate everyone for being easy to work with and understanding," Kennedy said.
Hathaway asked about the four-way stop signs set up at the bottom of the 6th Avenue West hill and whether the intersection would return to a 3-way stop.
Gerber said he plans to approach the Monroe Public Safety Committee on Monday to ask which setup they would prefer.
Rock Road Construction of Janesville has been working on the street since late March, though the busy road has been mostly accessible over the last six months. Contractor Bob Kennedy was present for the meeting to hear any concerns or questions from the public before workers leave the area.
"Hopefully a lot of the more noticeable things you still see out there will be taken care of by the end of this week," Kennedy said.
Decorative touches will be done throughout today and Friday, he added.
Culver's owner Della Hathaway brought up a concern about the outlet leading to 8th Street. She said because the lanes had been widened and the sidewalk was pushed back, the stop sign was also placed farther away from 8th Street, leaving Culver's plants blocking a driver's view of the street. She suggested the bushes may be pulled out, which still needs to be discussed with contractors this week.
Other business owners thought the process was positive.
Dairy Queen co-owner Mike Molinaro was impressed by how quickly the project finished once paving had been completed.
"It came together fast at the end," Molinaro said.
Jean Ruda of Ruda Toyota noted that some drivers had noticed along 4th Avenue West, 3rd Avenue and 1st Avenue that the lanes had been shifted to make the right turn lane the one for use to cross the intersection as well.
Director of Public Works Al Gerber said the shifts were done to align both sides. He added that because the new traffic lights can recognize when vehicles are stopped, the change should aid in keeping traffic on the move.
Ruda added that the newly revitalized street "looks great."
Kennedy acknowledged the inconvenience of the work but echoed past sentiments of gratitude at the patience of city residents and business owners.
"I appreciate everyone for being easy to work with and understanding," Kennedy said.
Hathaway asked about the four-way stop signs set up at the bottom of the 6th Avenue West hill and whether the intersection would return to a 3-way stop.
Gerber said he plans to approach the Monroe Public Safety Committee on Monday to ask which setup they would prefer.