CLERMONT – After a delivery delay of key structures caused by the national supply chain shortage, work will soon begin on the third phase of Clermont’s downtown Streetscape project along West Montrose Street from West Avenue to Lake Avenue and a small section of the South Lake Trail.
Work includes removing existing asphalt, sidewalks, curbs, driveways and landscape to upgrade underground utilities along West Montrose Street. Decorative lighting and event power will be added before brick pavers are installed. New asphalt will be placed on a section of 7th Street, north of West Montrose Street. This is the final phase of the $12 million project to upgrade utilities and amenities, as well as add brick pavers to six square blocks from West Avenue to 7th Street and from West Montrose Street to Osceola Street.
This project is part of the Master Plan for Clermont’s Downtown-Waterfront District. Traverse Group, Inc. of Clermont has completed the first two phases and expects to complete the final phase in about a year.
To maintain fire protection, keep traffic flowing and minimize inconveniences during construction, the work has been divided into 12 sections of no more than 300 feet. While the street will be closed to vehicular traffic, business and residential access will be maintained at all times. Traffic will be routed around the active work area with signage and flaggers.
“We know this will be the most challenging of the three phases and we’ve worked hard to keep our business and property owners updated on construction plans and schedules,” City Manager Brian Bulthuis said. “We will continue to support our merchants, residents and customers and help everyone manage the impact throughout construction.”
Work is scheduled to begin May 23 and take about two weeks to complete installation of stormwater pipe on a small section of the South Lake Trail adjacent to West Avenue. There will be a bypass for the trail around the construction area. Vehicular traffic will not be impacted until the first of June when work moves to the second section, 7th Street west of West Montrose Street.
Work is also scheduled to begin May 23 on two separate improvement projects that will impact traffic on Victory Way and the trail along Minneola Avenue just west of Osceola Street. Work in these areas is expected to take about six weeks to complete and will provide additional downtown parking.
As with any construction project, weather, material availability and other unforeseen conditions may impact the schedule. Drivers and pedestrians are reminded to use caution in the construction area.
(Information furnished by the City of Clermont)
