The city is gearing up for another major street project this summer that has the potential to cause some major headaches.

Though there is no doubt that the reconstruction of Park Avenue and the surrounding streets is warranted, we hope the city and the contractor do everything possible to work swiftly and to keep residents who live in this neighborhood in mind.

Park Avenue and its surrounding streets form a peninsula that juts from the southern shore of Fountain Lake and also borders Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea.

According to the city records, the existing pavements were constructed between 1952 and 1976 and are in poor conditions. The underground utilities were placed between 1910 and 1920.

Because there is only one access in and out of the neighborhood, the city is considering some alternative methods for replacing the sanitary sewer and water main. Even with that, city staff have said there will likely be periods where access will not be possible.

With memories of last summer’s Lakeview Boulevard project still in the forefront, many people are apprehensive. Imagine walking blocks in pouring rain with grocery bags lining your arms as you try to reach your home. Then add on top of that the added challenges some people have with small children and others have with physical limitations — and then remember that this could take place for an extended period of time.

Then, there is the issue of access to the emergency room at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and the issue of safety. What would happen if there is a fire or other emergency in one of the homes while this is happening? This is critical that this be considered.

We encourage residents in the neighborhood to attend the neighborhood meeting about the project in early March. The council has approved a public improvement hearing for 7 p.m. March 14 in the Council Chambers.

The key to the $3.2 million project will be speed.