East Gateway project nears completion; minor delays likely
By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Images of orange cones, detour signage and heavy machinery are slowly disappearing from downtown Whitewater as this summer’s extensive East Gateway construction project comes to an end.
While a few finishing touches are still being put in place, portions of E. Main St. were reopened to both directions of traffic Oct. 24. The maneuver has allowed an arterial flow of traffic through the heart of the city’s downtown commercial district.
“The city understands that this project has been difficult for members of this community,” Whitewater City Manager Cameron Clapper wrote in a letter to residents and business owners last week. “(We) would like to thank all of the residents and business owners for their patience and cooperation during this project.”
While much of the region is again accommodating traffic, small portions remain closed, including a section of Whitewater St., between the intersections of Center and E. Main streets, as well as the alley north of the intersection with Whitewater and E. Main streets.
“These areas will not open until pavement replacement and traffic signal installation is completed,” Clapper said.
Additionally, temporary stop signs have been placed in specific sections as work to install traffic signals progresses.
“Minor delays and congestion should be expected,” Clapper added.
East Gateway has turned out to be a 22-week project and ran longer than what city officials initially anticipated.
There were several hiccups during this final stretch in the construction project, including the allocation of an additional $40,000 toward new storm sewer infrastructure last month.
Also, in early September, Assistant City Manager Chris McDonell revealed the project was being delayed because of complications from several utility companies.
