Construction on Broadway is expected to advance into the final stretch today, and with it will come additional parking limitations.

Though the block from William Street to Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic and parking, the sidewalks next to the buildings will be open for two to three more weeks.

Street and sidewalk reconstruction is expected to be completed by mid-September, with the replacement of streetscape amenities such as street lights, trees, benches and planters happening into October, according to a news release.

Construction in Fountain Lake Park is also underway and is expected to continue through mid-October.

The release stated access to downtown businesses will be maintained throughout construction except during short periods of time when digging is required near the entrances while a new sidewalk is poured. Many of the businesses have rear accesses and signs will be provided to guide customers in the right direction.

Parking is also available on side streets and in public parking lots on the east and west side of Broadway.

Two-hour parking will be enforced for all on-street parking in the downtown area as well as in some posted areas within downtown parking lots.

The release stated a portion of the city parking lot behind the Freeborn National Bank Building at the intersection of William and Newton streets will be designated and enforced as two-hour parking only.

Crews opened up Broadway from Fountain Street to Clark Street on Friday, along with the street’s intersection with Clark Street.

For weekly construction updates, visit the project website at www.bolton-menk.com/albertlea, or call the city engineer’s office at 377-4325.

 

Where can you park downtown during the construction?

The city has nine public parking lots in the downtown. The North Broadway lot has no time restrictions except for during the Albert Lea Farmers Market.

The other lots are at the following locations:

• At the intersection of Washington Avenue and Water Street.

• At the intersection of St. Mary Avenue and William Street.

• At the intersection of St. Mary Avenue and West Main Street.

• At the intersection of West Main Street and Washington Avenue.

• At the intersection of William Street and Newton Avenue.

• At the intersection of Newton Avenue and Fountain Street.

• At the intersection of Newton Avenue and College Street.

• Behind the east side of Broadway between William and Clark streets.