Despite several delays, the first part of the downtown street resurfacing project is nearly complete.

Downtown Albert Lea has been undergoing a street surface milling and paving project, slowing traffic on some streets and, at times, completely closing segments of others during the process. Crews have also made curb and sidewalk replacements during construction.

The project was originally scheduled to span June 26 through July 3. It was originally revised to alleviate disruptions in the downtown area during the week of July 4, and again on Monday, July 8 because of a contractor delay. Rain on Wednesday added one more day to the project.

Despite the schedule changes, the City Engineering office has not heard many complaints. According to Jamie Mehle, project engineer, most calls were from business owners with concerns of when the streets would be done, and in which order, so they could plan accordingly.

The most recent schedule for the remaining work is as follows.

Phase three: East side of Broadway Avenue from Main Street to Fountain Street, Clark Street from Broadway to Lake Avenue, Elizabeth Avenue from William Street to Clark, and William from Broadway to Elizabeth; milled today, first layer paved on Friday, July 12.

Phase four: Newton Avenue from Clark to railroad tracks, and College Street from Broadway to Newton; milled Friday, July 12 , first layer paved Saturday, July 13.

A second layer will of pavement will be placed approximately two weeks after completion of the first layer on all downtown streets, again causing temporary road closures. Exact dates for paving the second layer have not yet been determined.