SANDPOINT Phase II of the Downtown Revitalization project, which resumed March 16, is set for completion on May 14 and construction work has still not been affected by COVID-19. According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, this construction project is exempt from self isolation orders because the type of work is classified as essential infrastructure.

The city of Sandpoint is hoping to increase efficiency by investing in downtown beautification efforts while there is a significant decrease in pupil and vehicular traffic.

As of April 17 nearly all sidewalks have been completed on First Avenue from Main Street to Cedar Street at Second Avenue. Concrete sidewalks begin at Finan McDonald’s Clothing Co. and move north and concrete formwork has been utilized to prevent impalement hazards.

This section of the road will remain closed during the day and open only for nights and weekends for vehicles. Construction crews plan to install brick pavers during the week and the final asphalt paving will occur in May.

City officials encourage pedestrians to use extreme caution or alternate routes when possible. “The road closure will enable improved efficiencies but more importantly, limiting access by the public is necessary for the contractor to meet CDC guidelines relating to employee safety and to minimize exposure,” said Sandpoint city officials in the April 3 construction report.

In addition progress has been made on First Avenue between Main and Church streets, with the majority of excavation, backfill, electrical work and irrigation work completed. The next step for construction crews will be to place concrete sidewalks on both sides of the street and this section of the road will be closed to vehicles until all concrete work is completed. City crews will also work on the hydrant in front of Bella Terra Boutique on April 19.

When Phase II is completed, the city hopes to present a similar look and feel to Cedar Street. A list of general improvements on the project’s website includes planting and cultivating dozens of trees, enhancing pedestrian crosswalks, adding parking spaces and bike racks for transportation support, installing new seats and street lights and reconfiguring the flow of traffic.

Most businesses on First Avenue are currently closed to the public due to the stay-at-home order issued by the Governor. For general information on business changes related to COVID-19 visit https://www.sandpointidaho.gov/your-government/covid-19. For all other inquiries contact the individual business. Many businesses will accommodate via delivery services.

Visit Downtown Revitalization Project’s website for weekly construction updates.

Aly De Angelus can be reached by email at adeangelus@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @AlyDailyBee.