It takes more than some road work to keep sunbathers away from Sylvan Lake.
David Kelham, engineer technician with the town, said the $24-million redevelopment of Lakeshore Drive is on schedule and hasn’t deterred visitors.
“The routes are outlined quite well for detours,” Kelham said on Friday.
The project is progressing nicely since the weather has improved. Some workers are on the job on Saturdays. But they don’t work Sundays, he said.
The current $7-million phase will see Centennial Park expanded, lakeside walking areas improved and landscaped and a four-block stretch of roadway south of the park upgraded so a stretch Lakeshore Drive can be diverted.
Much of this summer’s work will involve finishing off underground services work begun last year along Lakeshore Drive, adding curb, gutters and a promenade west of 51st Street and other service and roadwork in the cottage area.
Kelham said so far the majority of bases for new street lighting have been installed, along with much of the curbs and gutters along 50A Avenue, Centennial Park and in the cottage area.
“There’s still a lot of concrete work to do.”
The plan is to have the new parking lot in Centennial Park open as soon as possible, he said.
When complete, 50A Avenue will end in a T-intersection at 40th Street and an S-curve joining Lakeshore Drive will be in place at 44th Street next to The Big Moo Ice Cream Parlor.
Construction crews plan to keep at least one lane open on Lakeshore Drive while work is underway to reduce disruption.
Much of Centennial Park will be fenced off for the summer, but access to the popular playground remain open.
Phase 2 is scheduled to be complete by December.
Visit www.lsdupdatesblogspotcom for updates.
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com