Construction underway at South Gate intersection

SOUTH GATE - Drivers heading into South Gate can expect delays due to street construction at Firestone Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue that is expected to last until March.Traffic lanes on Firestone have been shifted from the railroad crossing at Mason Street to Kauffman Avenue as crews construct temporary road lighting, water lines and work on curbs and gutters. Two lanes of traffic will be open at all times in both directions and left turns will continue to be permitted at Firestone and Atlantic. However, left turns from westbound Firestone to side streets between Atlantic and Kauffman are prohibited. Similar work is being completed on Atlantic from Firestone to Wright Place. Parking is not permitted on the north and south sides of Firestone or on the east and west sides of Atlantic. Construction began Dec. 18 and is expected to last until March 17. The project will result in numerous street improvements, city officials said, including a wider intersection; new traffic lights at the intersection of Firestone and Atlantic; upgraded street lighting; new curbs, gutters, sidewalks, handicap ramps and concrete approaches, raised landscape medians; street paving; new drainage facilities; upgraded sewer and water infrastructures; and upgrades at the railroad crossing. "This key intersection is already congested and will be impacted significantly by the proposed I-710 freeway widening project," city officials said in a statement. "The proposed intersection improvement is essential to reduce traffic congestion and enhance traffic flow through the intersection. The project limit extends from Hunt Avenue to approximately 400 feet east of Atlantic Avenue on Firestone Boulevard, and from Firestone Boulevard to Patata Street on Atlantic Avenue. Sully Muller is the city's contractor for this project."

********** Published: January 3, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 38