Employees with Blake Drilling Company of Blaine worked Aug. 6, to lower the water table along Main Street in Motley. This dewatering process had to be done before the old water pipes could be removed and new ones put in, improvements that are part of the current Beaulieu Street Area Project. (Staples World photo by Dawn Timbs) Construction on the Beaulieu Street Area Project in Motley officially began Aug. 4.

J.R. Ferche, Inc., of Rice, is the main contractor for the approximately 12-block project, which includes improving the roadway and the storm sewer system in the following areas:

o Beaulieu Street West between Hwy 10 and Morrison Line Road, portions of Main Street; and portions of 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Avenues.

As of Aug. 10, bituminous roadway has been removed and the dewatering process has been completed. Crews will begin removing the old water lines and replacing them with new ones.

According to Aric Welch, City Engineer with Widseth, Smith and Nolting, the underground work is projected to be complete by the end of September. Restoration and roadway construction is projected to be complete by mid-October, Welch said.

So far, local businesses in that area report that parking has not been an issue. At Bremer’s Bar, parking is available in the back of the building if need be; and the main entrance at Bjerga’s Feed Store is still open. Travelers on Beaulieu Street, as of this week, still have access to parking lots at Two Rivers Grocery Store and the post office.