Salem says vehicle traffic on Main Street between Market and Broad streets is expected to resume in early November after delayed storm-drain work.[1] The city says the main trunk line is installed, curbing is underway and paving over the gravel is expected to begin early next week, weather permitting.[1]
The return of traffic will not end downtown construction.[2] In an Oct. 26 letter to the downtown business community, City Engineer William L. Simpson Jr. said the next streetscape phase includes sidewalk and curb replacement, water-meter adjustments, utility work, lighting, brick pavers and landscaping.[2] The city says Main Street will remain open during that phase.[2]
The work is planned to start on the north side of Main Street after the storm-drain project is complete.[2] On-street parking on the north side, opposite the library, will close while south-side parking remains open.[2] The city anticipates substantial completion of that phase for the Dec. 4 Christmas Parade and tree lighting.[2]
The project will then move to the south side, where on-street parking will close for a phase the city expects to take at least six weeks.[2]
The city has not announced a firm reopening date.[1][2] Its Oct. 27 construction update uses “early November,” while the Oct. 26 engineer letter says the contractor anticipates the first week of November after paving and curb work.[1][2] Those are city and contractor expectations, not a guarantee that all downtown work will be finished when traffic returns.[1][2]
Businesses will remain accessible during construction, according to the city.[2]