It will take three weeks longer than anticipated, but the almost $7 million new Jackson Avenue Ramps are set to fully open to motorists and pedestrians by Dec. 31, 2020.

Throughout the 16-month project to replace the structurally-deficient 100-year-old ramps, Bell & Associates Construction crews have been attentive to detail and appreciative of the history of the Old City intersection. Because sections of stamped concrete didn’t look as good aesthetically as planned, the contractor is removing and repouring them.

That redo of the concrete is delaying other concluding work, including installation of permanent lighting, final asphalt paving and final cleanup.

The ramps had been scheduled to partially open on Dec. 8, with work continuing around temporary lane closures. The three-week extension will at least avoid the on-and-off inconvenience to motorists of the temporary lane shutdowns.

Also, the extra time unimpeded by traffic will allow the crews to address neighboring property owners’ minor cosmetic issues. For example, Bell & Associates workers will be cleaning the facades of adjacent buildings and removing window and doorway protections.

"We appreciate everyone’s patience during this much-needed safety upgrade project,” Downtown Coordinator Rick Emmett said. "This was a once-in-a-century opportunity to strengthen building foundations and bring the ramps up to modern safety standards. In the end, this new bridge pays homage to the historic one, right down to reuse of the original brick pavers. The new ramps should last another 100 years, just as the originals did.”

Including design work and right-of-way acquisition, the project's total cost is about $8.7 million. The City's investment is about $270,000.