The big dig to replace storm sewer infrastructure, which is at the root of the detoured traffic in downtown Corner Brook for the next four weeks, got under way on Park Street Thursday morning.
A major storm sewer upgrade in the upper Park Street area resulted in a detour that has both one-way streets flowing in sections of two-way traffic.
There was much advance notice and consultation with downtown businesses in preparation for the suspected disruption, and the impact on business was expected to be negative.
Before the detour began, many of the downtown businesses recognized the necessity of the project, were concerned over possible impacts, but realized there was little that could be done.
Mayor Charles Pender confirmed Friday morning that there have been some complaints and requests issued at city hall.
This week, for example, the city opened a left-hand turn from West St. onto East Valley Road to help with the flow of traffic. The mayor said that was more of a residential request than a commercial one.
From a commercial perspective, Pender said there was a request to reinstate parking along West Street in hopes of increasing traffic and customers to area businesses.
“We will try to accommodate where we can, but, unfortunately, the road is not wide enough to allow for two lanes of traffic in different directions and parking,” he said.
The mayor said there was also consideration given beforehand to find additional parking in the area.
On one hand, for safety purposes, the city encourages motorists to take alternate routes when construction projects such as this one are underway. In this case, however, the hope is people still utilize that section of the city’s business community.
He said there are parking options in the area, some in the Majestic Lawn area and at the old hospital, that would require only a short walk.
Twitter: @WS_CoryHurley
