Work is finally starting again on the Guilford College Road widening project near West Market Street.
Many people have asked why no work was being done.
Some have even asked if the orange barrels were permanent.
On June 18, City Councilmember Marikay Abuzuaiter posted this comment at rhinotimes.com: “Just want to clarify the delay on W. Market and Guilford College Rd. The City has done everything required at this point. We have been waiting on the railroad to finish their part. The stop arms have to be relocated and wired. After the railroad completes their part, the City will add the finishing touches.”
According to a press release from the City of Greensboro dated Monday, June 21, work is getting underway this week.
The press release states that beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 24, Guilford College Road will be closed to traffic in both directions from Burnt Poplar Road to West Market Street due to Norfolk Southern railroad track and signal work.
The press release states, “The job, which is part of a widening project for Guilford College Road is expected to be completed by 7 a.m. Thursday, July 1, weather permitting.”
The press release states, “Access to businesses and residential streets along this section of Guilford College Road will be available between Burnt Poplar Road and Wendy Court. All other traffic will be detoured heading northeast from Guilford College Road to Burnt Poplar Road to S. Swing Road heading north to W. Market Street east, back to Guilford College Road. The route from Guilford College Road heading southwest will be the same but in reverse.”
Those traveling through the area are advised to use alternate routes or be prepared for delays through the detour.
Abuzuaiter is the chair of the Greensboro Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (GUAMPO) board, which manages the federally required transportation planning process for the area. Street improvement projects like the widening of Guilford College Road are largely paid for with federal dollars.
Abuzuaiter said, “I’m thrilled the project is moving. I hate that everyone thinks the city caused the delay when we didn’t. We had to wait for the railroad.”
Abuzuaiter added, “Basically it’s not going to take us long once the railroad finishes. Everything should be completed sometime in August.”
Da-DA! Presto-quicko. August? Vemonos.
Travel this intersection several times a day. What a understatement to say work hasn’t been done lately. Project hasn’t been touched in at least 6 months. Norfolk Southern or contractor responsible should have been fined for every day not finished. The city did their part. Project manager should be fired. Have seen many cars almost wreck trying to line up the lanes that do not align as you cross Guilford college road. You have to shift 2 feet to line up. Painted lines became so faded from no attention. When road was wet you couldn’t even make them out. Lucky not one accident happened and someone hurt. Started to attend city council meeting to find out why taking so long to finish. Nobody in city government seemed to care.
Yeah, well, the RR stuff came and went in the first week of July, and here we are at Aug. 5 with nothing apparently having been done since the RR work finished.