First Street update by City Administrator Mike Hayslip

I want to take this opportunity to send a thank-you to the many citizens who have made positive comments about my recent article related to the First Street/Old Exeter Road project and the problems we have experienced with motorists therein.

While it is unfortunate that I had to write an article to remind citizens to be respectful and civil toward my staff, I suppose it comes with the territory of working for a local government. Nevertheless, my staff and I do appreciate the support some have given and I would encourage you all to give a shout out to every city staff member as you encounter them during your daily activities. They also need to hear that you support what they are doing.

I will also take this time to give a brief update on the First Street/Old Exeter Road project:

Our public works crews are on the back end of identifying, inspecting and moving water and sewer services along this road. Some services had to be moved back behind the proposed curb so that they would not interfere with the uniform widening of the road. We are trying to remove any city infrastructure from this road in hopes that, if there is a problem later, we won't have to tear up a brand new road to fix it.

Further, we will be opening the bids on Thursday, Aug. 28, at 2 p.m. for the construction portion of the project. Hopefully, we will receive a number of good bids and thus, be able to move to the next phase, which includes bid acceptance by the city council. Right now, the bid is expected to be approved at city council meeting on Sept. 2. Work should commence approximately three to four weeks later after contracts, and other plans, are finalized.

The project should be completed, barring no significant delays, by mid-November of this year.

This project will be a vast improvement over what we currently have. In the end, we will have a street that will be 30 feet from back of curb to back of curb going from Emmanuel Baptist Church to Main Street. At the First and Main Street intersection, a new left-hand turn lane will be added to help relieve traffic problems in that area. Storm water improvements are being added so that water can be diverted to uninhabitable locations. Additionally, we are also looking at adding a bike lane for those enthusiasts if space will allow. At present, this option is uncertain.

Again, I ask for your patience and continued support as we improve the community.

Mike Hayslip

City Administrator