First phase of Smallhouse widening wrapping up – Bowling Green Daily News

A major expansion of Smallhouse Road is nearing the final weeks of the projects first phase.

The city is taking a multi-year and multi-phased approach to widening the road between Broadway Avenue and Campbell Lane.

The first phase began last year and focuses on the section between Campbell Lane and Highland Way, with the road being widened to three lanes with a center turn lane. Installing curbs, gutters and an 8-foot-wide multi-use sidewalk/path on the eastern side of the road are also part of the project.

Two new retention basins have been built as part of the project near the Living Hope Baptist Church property near Campbell Lane.

City Engineer Melissa Cansler said crews are working on the final touches of the roughly $2 million first phase, primarily relating to sewer lines.

The first phase is scheduled for completion in August or September, despite an abundance of rock discovered during excavation work.

To avoid having to blast in a residential area, they had to hammer away at it, she said.

Cansler said the city has tried to avoid closing the road during construction, but reminds motorists to keep an eye out. Sometimes we do have to flag the road, she said.

A public meeting was held earlier this year to inform area residents about phase 2 of the project.

Phase 2 includes the portion of Smallhouse from Highland Way to Ridgecrest Drive and will also include widening the road to three lanes and installation of curb, gutter and multi-use sidewalk/path.

The appraisal process for right-of-way acquisitions for Phase 2 is underway, Cansler said.

Phase 3 would finish the project to Scottsville Road. The entire project could take about six years to finish, city officials said previously.

Even though the project is not completed, Cansler said the city is already getting feedback on the widening.

Weve gotten good input on the traffic flow, she said.

The city website has a page devoted to information on the project, including maps, at bgky.org/ smallhouse-road-widening.

Follow city government reporter Wes Swietek on Twitter @BGDNgovtbeat or visit bgdailynews.com.

Follow city government reporter Wes Swietek on Twitter @BGDNgovtbeat or visit bgdailynews.com.

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First phase of Smallhouse widening wrapping up - Bowling Green Daily News