Staples resident Flo Grant (above, far right) watched as Robbie Walcheski (left) and Roger Popp, employees of Doucette’s Landscaping and Contracting of Little Falls, worked Aug. 9, to put up a retaining wall along 2nd Avenue in Staples, near 6th Street NE. Temperatures were in the high-90’s that day, making conditions uncomfortable for workers on the Staples’ turnback project. Bottom Even with street construction in the heart of Staples downtown on 2nd Ave. and 4th St. NE, all businesses remain open.

For some, access to the front door is unavailable or not advised but most have made provisions for back or side entrances accessible from side streets and alleys.

“Construction is change and for most people, change is difficult, so thank you to everyone for your patience,” wrote Amy Hunter, coordinator with the Staples Motley Area Chamber of Commerce and Staples Downtown Revitalization Board. “The contractor is progressing fairly well considering the weather and all of the underground unknowns.”

turnback project. Bottom photo: Retaining wall construction, as well as curb and gutter, is nearly finished along 2nd Avenue between 9th and 12th streets. (Staples World photos by Dawn Timbs) The construction is part of the turnback of 2nd Ave. NE in Staples from a

state highway - old Hwy. 10 - to a city street. With this

change the City of Staples decided to upgrade and replace storm sewers, sanitary sewers, water lines and other utilities, much of which hasn’t been touched in years. Construction started on the east edge of Staples and is moving west.

Many businesses on 4th St. and 2nd Ave. NE have back or side entrances that have been temporarily opened to the public. Safety is an issue with heavy equipment moving outside the front doors so caution is advised.

With temperatures nearly reaching 100 degrees Aug. 9, employees with Creative Curb of Watkins worked to put in concrete curbing along 2nd Avenue in Staples, between 5th and 9th streets. In addition to the curb, retaining walls were put in in this area, and Class 5 aggregate base on the streets. (Staples World photo by Dawn Timbs) Alternative parking lots are encouraged. Patrons of Tower Pizza, Lefty’s, Staples Off Sale and Longbella Drug have been encouraged to use the parking lot of the former Ernie’s grocery store on 5th St. and Hwy. 10.

Earlier this week the contractor, Tom’s Backhoe, began moving west of the 2nd Ave. and 4th St. intersection. Work continues on 4th St. between 1st and 3rd Avenues. The subgrade has begun to be bladed north of 2nd Ave.

Engineer Tim Houle with Widseth, Smith and Nolting (WSN) said at the construction meeting Monday morning that the groundwater is higher as the project moves west.

“While everyone can probably see construction is moving along about a block of disturbance a week, we anticipate having to spend a little time in dewatering, or temporarily lowering the groundwater table, so that underground utilities can be properly

installed,” Houle wrote in

his report of the meeting. “This may require some

removals and then waiting several days for the groundwater to be temporarily lowered from dewatering pumps.”

Concerns were raised about Railroad Days activities and the progress of the construction. A separate meeting will be scheduled for the middle of next week when the contractor, city and engineers will have a better idea of where they’ll be during that weekend.

Meanwhile, on the east end of the project, curb and gutter is being installed along with driveways, concrete sidewalks and retaining walls. Black dirt is being hauled in to replace the topsoil in the disturbed areas.

“Even though there are road closed signs, we know people are going around them,” Houle wrote. “That is fine, as long as everyone remembers that this is still a construction zone and care needs to be taken with vehicles, construction equipment, workers and new improvements.”

Construction progress meetings are held every Monday at 10 a.m. at Staples City Hall. The public is welcome to attend.