MONROE - Downtown Monroe was aglow for the first time in months as the new decorative street lights were turned on beneath a cloud-covered autumn moon Tuesday, revealing the reopened outer ring of the Square.
Vehicles, in caravan style, were driven around the outer ring at about 6 p.m., after it opened again at 4 p.m.
Although it was an impromptu event, many people walked or drove downtown to attend.
Several city council members took the opportunity between committee meetings at nearby City Hall to dash to the corner of 11th Street and 17th Avenue to witness the occasion.
Since construction started in April, downtown business owners, residents and customers have endured dust, dirt, noise and parking problems, but now it appears the end is insight.
At the Common Council meeting Tuesday, Tom Purdy, community development specialist with Fehr-Graham & Associates, reported that construction crews will have no problems finishing up the project this year.
Early cold weather and rain threatened to hold up concrete pouring, even as the city authorized crews to use extra measures, such as warm water, chemicals and coverings, to get the concrete work finished.
Purdy said the general contractor, E&N Hughes Company Inc., will tear up the south and east sides of the inner circle and could be done by the end of the week, which will clear the way for paving next week.
Subcontractors are expected to pour concrete in two strips starting Wednesday to possibly be finished by next Tuesday.
Eight additional street lights will be installed around the Courthouse lawn.
New water mains have been installed, trees are in now place, and even the water fountains are in.
The new downtown reconstruction project was not just about pretty flowers and trees.
"There are electrical and sewer problems to deal with, and serious infrastructure problems in the sidewalks and streets," Monroe Main Street Director Barb Nelson said in April.
Vehicles, in caravan style, were driven around the outer ring at about 6 p.m., after it opened again at 4 p.m.
Although it was an impromptu event, many people walked or drove downtown to attend.
Several city council members took the opportunity between committee meetings at nearby City Hall to dash to the corner of 11th Street and 17th Avenue to witness the occasion.
Since construction started in April, downtown business owners, residents and customers have endured dust, dirt, noise and parking problems, but now it appears the end is insight.
At the Common Council meeting Tuesday, Tom Purdy, community development specialist with Fehr-Graham & Associates, reported that construction crews will have no problems finishing up the project this year.
Early cold weather and rain threatened to hold up concrete pouring, even as the city authorized crews to use extra measures, such as warm water, chemicals and coverings, to get the concrete work finished.
Purdy said the general contractor, E&N Hughes Company Inc., will tear up the south and east sides of the inner circle and could be done by the end of the week, which will clear the way for paving next week.
Subcontractors are expected to pour concrete in two strips starting Wednesday to possibly be finished by next Tuesday.
Eight additional street lights will be installed around the Courthouse lawn.
New water mains have been installed, trees are in now place, and even the water fountains are in.
The new downtown reconstruction project was not just about pretty flowers and trees.
"There are electrical and sewer problems to deal with, and serious infrastructure problems in the sidewalks and streets," Monroe Main Street Director Barb Nelson said in April.