The Southeast Area Street and Utility Improvement project in Clearwater is getting closer to completion.

This week, Clearwater City Administrator Kevin Kress and Public Works Supervisor made the rounds, taking a close look at the work that has been done and what’s still left.

In July, the contractor worked on replacing the watermain and water services on Porter Street and Porter Circle, and did work on the storm sewer. The aggregate base on the streets was compacted in preparation for the first layer of bituminous. Work on concrete curb and gutter and driveways began soon after, and over the past three weeks, grading work behind the curb and gutter took place. The first layer of bituminous was laid in late August and the first week of September as well as completion of the watermain crossing of Co. Rd. 75 at Main Street.

This week, crews were finishing up the areas behind curb and gutter, preparing the topsoil, then hydroseeding to get the lawns started before fall and winter. 

“They’ve got pretty much everything done,” said Kress. “Everything that I saw looks up to par.”

Contractors are planning to do the final wear course of bituminous this week, maybe as early as Monday. Although the weather forecast is predicting rain beginning Saturday and for just about evey day over the next week.

Kress said once the final wear course is down, they’ll go over any punch list items. The city will begin sending out assessment notices to property owners affected by the project.

The final assessment hearing is tentatively set for the Oct. 14 city council meeting.