Traffic in the downtown area has been chaotic for the past two weeks, with roads barricaded and parking lot exits cordoned off with police tape. Streets have been milled in preparation for repaving, while in some places, the sidewalks are being replaced as well. According to Gabe Menendez, the city engineer, this roadwork was done in conjunction with preparations for the Chason Park project’s completion, namely the parking lot resurfacing being done next to the courthouse. While city work crews have been put in charge of the paving, a private contractor has been in charge of the concrete work.

Work is, as of the writing of this article, still ongoing. Menendez estimated all roads would be finished by the end of July. Streets that will be affected include Jackson (from Florida to West Street), Broughton (from West to Donaldson Street), Water (from Crawford to Donalson Street), Florida (from Shotwell to Broughton), and Crawford Street (from Shotwell to Jackson Street.)

“This will improve traffic circulation downtown,” Menendez told the Post-Searchlight. “It will cause some disruption, we appreciate everyone’s patience.”