Front Street Improvement Project completed ahead of schedule

WILMINGTON – Street paving today and tomorrow on Front Street are among the last major tasks to complete the improvement project, which the city anticipates will be done two weeks ahead of schedule and open to pedestrians for the busy July 4 weekend.

The $1.83 million project along a two-block section of North Front Street will be substantially complete this week.

The project, a joint effort between the city and the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, began on January 4 and was originally scheduled to be completed by July 31, but is now expected to finish three weeks ahead of schedule.

The project involved the replacement of aging water and sewer lines and the complete renovation of the streetscape over a two‐block area. Streetscape improvements include street paving, wider sidewalks, more lighting, more parking options, new benches, crosswalks and landscaping.

Public Services Director Richard King, who is overseeing the project for the city, said staff has been working closely with contractors to get the work done as soon as possible. “We know this project will have a great long‐term benefit to downtown merchants, but it has been an inconvenience in the short‐term. We appreciate the cooperation and support we have received from the merchants, along with their patience.”

After the July 4th weekend, some additional work will continue in the Chestnut Street intersection, which should be paved by the following weekend. The block is expected to be back open to vehicular traffic by July 9.

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