DEL NORTE – Now that summer is ending, Del Norte has stepped back from the busy season to see what has been accomplished since the downtown project began at the beginning of August. Over the past several weeks, the town has navigated construction during the busiest time of year and the hope that when the dust settles, downtown Del Norte will be a showstopper for visitors.
Project Manager Neff Malouff with RMS Utilities Inc. Sat down with the Del Norte Prospector to give an update and to talk about the next phases of the project.
“We actually made a lot of progress and though I know it's been hard on downtown businesses, they have been wonderful to work with. We are moving right along and should be on to the next phase of the project before the first real freeze,” Malouff said.
Malouff was joined by Town of Del Norte Public Works Director Kevin Larimore, who has been working with RMS Utilities and helping to make sure the project stays on track.
“We are right on schedule and are looking forward to finishing the first part of this project. Our next step will be to move back to Cherry Street and begin work on the south side of the highway by spring,” Larimore said.
According to Malouff and Larimore, the streetlights should be arriving by late October to the beginning of November which will be a pivotal time for the project.
“It will give us a chance to really see how this is going to look. We have the benches and trash receptacles ordered and those will be the next things to be installed,” said Larimore.
Malouff said they received questions about the cutouts lining the sidewalks that contain black rock and was happy to explain, “They are flower beds. We wanted to be sure to include a natural element to the project and will be working with a local gardener to get some vegetation installed.”
RMS Utilities and the Town of Del Norte would also like to remind the public that the businesses along Grande Avenue are open and there is access to all of the businesses through the alleyways.
“There is plenty of parking and side streets that take guests to businesses while construction is underway. We are also here to answer any questions or to help however we can. We have a small window to complete projects like this and unfortunately it takes a toll on the businesses,” said Malouff.
Malouff also wanted to ask that people crossing the highway cross at 5th Street and use the light.
“That is the safest location for anyone crossing the highway right now. We want everyone to be safe,” Malouff said.
Beyond those few recommendations, the project is right on track and the first phase is expected to be completed before the snow flies. For more information, contact RMS Utilities at www.rmsutilities.com or the Town of Del Norte at 719-657-2708.
