Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Illinois environmental enforcement officials and the state attorney general have entered the fray in the controversial demolition of an old coal plant that blanketed much of the Little Village neighborhood under piles of dust earlier this month.

Gov. JB Pritzkers Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has accused the developer behind the demolition with breaking air and water pollution laws, while Attorney General Kwame Raouls office on Wednesday said it was reviewing the incident.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE:

April 17, 2020

The double-barreled move from the state against developer Hilco Redevelopment Partners comes a week after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoots administration said it was fining Hilco $68,000 for its role in the demolition of a smokestack at the plant.

Hilco could face tens of thousands of dollars in additional fines as a result of the state EPA violations, according to the state law. While Chicago has limited authority to enforce its local ordinances related to construction dust and air quality, Raoul has broad powers to enforce the Illinois Environmental Protection Act.

Photographs and videos taken during and following the implosion show a large cloud of dust and airborne material, Illinois EPA officials said in a statement Wednesday. While some dust suppression controls were utilized, a substantial plume of dust exited the site from the implosion.

The state EPA referred the case to Raouls office following the April 11 incident at the former Crawford coal power plant. The botched demolition, which happened with little notice and during a respiratory pandemic,blanketed the community with dust, which was widely recorded on video and in photographs.

We received the referral from the Illinois EPA and it is under review, said Annie Thompson, a spokeswoman for the attorney generals office.

Specifically, the EPA said in its violation notice, Hilco violated the state Environmental Protection Act by failing to comply with its stormwater protection permit that required the control of dust during demolition and construction. The company also failed to adhere to a stormwater pollution prevention plan and did not establish and follow procedures to prevent or mitigate air pollution, the state EPA said in the notice.

In all three areas, the EPA told Hilco that compliance is expected immediately.

Hilco and its demolition contractor used explosives to implode the tall smokestack at the old Crawford site.

The demolition of an on-site smokestack resulted in a large dust cloud that adversely affected residents in the surrounding area, the EPA violation notice sent to Hilco on April 16 stated. Due to the nature and seriousness of the alleged violations, please be advised that resolution of the violations may also require the involvement of a prosecutorial authority.

Hilco received its stormwater permit in 2019, the state EPA said in its statement. According to the statement, Hilco itself reported to the state EPA on April 15 that it violated its permit.

The citys $68,000 in fines are being assessed, the mayor announced, based on violations of four city ordinances that relate to construction and demolition dust as well as air pollution.

Lightfoot has said the citys health department will be working hand in glove with the Illinois EPA to determine additional enforcement measures that may be taken.

Lightfoot issued a stop-work order at the site, but is allowing the developer and its new contractor Heneghan Wrecking to clean up debris from the implosion.

This isnt the first time Hilco faced environmental violations.

In Maryland, Hilco and its partners were fined for environmental violations related to the demolition of retired steel mill buildings, according to a settlement. Contractor MCM Management Corp., which worked on the Crawford site, also was part of the Maryland project.

In a 2015 agreement with the Maryland Department of the Environment, the developers and its contractor settled, and were forced to complete $3.375 million in environmental projects. The companies also were fined $375,000.

Last week, the Chicago Inspector General Joseph Ferguson confirmed he has opened an investigation into the implosion.

Representatives from Hilco did not immediately return calls for comment.

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Developer in Little Village Demolition Gone Wrong Cited By State EPA With Violating Pollution Laws - Better Government Association (BGA)

On Monday, the Webster County Fair Board voted to cancel most aspects of this summer's Webster County Fair in Marshfield.

The fairs signature events including the rodeo, livestock shows, showcase exhibits are canceled, according to Bill Roberts, manager of the Webster County Fair.

"It's a yearlong process to organize a fair," said Robert. "We have so many uncertainties right now with all that's going on. By not knowing, there are things like our catalog, ad sales and sponsor sales that we just can't get done in that period of time."

With the present economy and restrictions on large gatherings, Roberts said that contributes to other concerns, as far as participation in fair events or if they're even allowed to even host them.

"This year, the demolition derby was scheduled for Saturday, July 4, but I just don't know what people are saying about making derby cars," said Roberts. "When we look around, livestock shows are being canceled. Those are cattle that would show and continue onto our fair."

Because of school closures, Roberts said agriculture mechanics projects wouldn't be completed in time by FFA students. He noted other counties they know around the area have canceled their rodeos, along with their tractor pulls.

"We learned that one of the Mason groups that helps with our truck and tractor pull are canceling their event, so I don't know about contestants," said Roberts. "Then you have the concerns about ordering food ahead of time and I don't know what the response of people is going to be once we open. In our present climate, we don't know if they will respond or will they stay home."

The fair board is currently planning a truck and tractor pull on Saturday night (July 4), to coordinate with the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce's fireworks display, which they do during the Fourth of July celebration.

"We still want to leave options open for a community event since we know so many people enjoy attending the fair," said Roberts. "Kevin Cantrell, our fair board president, is talking to the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce more about that."

Kyle Whittaker organizes the livestock shows in the Webster County Fair. While he wasn't able to attend the Monday meeting, he said he was disappointed by the news.

"It is a longstanding tradition for the community," said Whittaker. "Hopefully, other Fourth of July celebrations will be able to move forward as normal (parade). This situation has definitely changed a lot of aspects of everyday life. It would appear the fair has fallen victim to COVID-19, as well."

There was some confusion about the cancelation when it was announced in a brief announcement by The Mail after Roberts and Whittaker both confirmed the news. Kevin Cantrell reached out to The Mail to say that the board is hoping to salvage some part of the fair.

We dont know what the big group regulations are going to be, Cantrell said. We had to cancel it because of the fair book.

The fair book is where the board announces its competitive categories, including livestock, home arts and more.

We are going to meet June 1 and maybe we can pull out a Saturday or Sunday night fair, Cantrell said. I dont want to answer a bunch of questions about it now.

If some aspects of a fair are offered, they would be presented on July 3 and 4.

We dont know. Our hands are tied. We dont know what we can do right now, Cantrell said. I didnt know Bill was going to release it yet.

Cantrell clarified at animal exhibits, the rodeo and the demolition derby are all off.

Read this article:
Fair events called off: No livestock shows, showcase exhibits, demolition derby. Board still trying to put something together for the public. -...

Collin Creek Mall is undergoing a $1 billion redevelopment project that is expected to transform the property into a mixed-use destination. (Liesbeth Powers/Community Impact Newspaper)

Here are five notable stories from the past few days of DFW coverage, on coronavirus relief, school districts and more.

Frisco parks department helping people play at home and in public

Play Frisco, the citys parks and recreation department, is working to keep people engaged amid the pandemic both at city parks, which remain open with social distancing guidelines in place, and in their own homes with online programs and content.

MAP: Richardson ISD to reduce frequency of grab-and-go meal service starting April 20

Richardson ISD is rolling back its meal service program for students to three days a week instead of five beginning April 20.

McKinney ISD's music education program earns national recognition

McKinney ISD has been named to the 2020 Best Communities for Music Education list by the National Association of Music Merchants.

United Way of Denton County disburses $118,425 of COVID-19 Relief Fund to help struggling residents

United Way of Denton County has disbursed $118,425 from its COVID-19 Relief Fund to help Denton County residents who are struggling financially due to the pandemic.

'We're on schedule': Demolition continues at Collin Creek Mall amid coronavirus shutdowns

Demolition continues at Collin Creek Mall despite the economic impact of coronavirus restrictions, according to the developers.

Anna Herod, Daniel Houston, Makenzie Plusnick, Miranda Jaimes and William C. Wadsack contributed to this report.

Read the rest here:
Collin Creek Mall demolition continues, and four other DFW-area stories - Community Impact Newspaper

The better question is do we really need a Demolition Man sequel, but thats kind of a silly question in an era where reboots and sequels have become the norm and the answer would be of course from anyone that remembers the original movie. Ive seen the original movie, as have a lot of people, but the consensus on whether or not it deserves a sequel is still unknown since teh first movie was fine for its time and had a lot of action that was enjoyable, but it was also kind of a goofy movie in some ways too. One big thing that Cody Hamman of Joblo is getting after though is that it would appear the movie has a bit of predictive power much like a few other movies and TV shows have throughout the years. People love to pick up on these cues since it is a little eerie how some things that are predicted in movies tend to happen in real life. This time around however there are notable differences since Arnold Schwarzenegger didnt become president in real life, though he did become the governor of California. Also, there was no massive earthquake that devastated California to such a degree that cities had to merge in order to create a new society, thankfully. The whole no-contact thing thats so prevalent in the movie however is an unfortunate side effect that some have witnessed and been living with thanks to the coronavirus, so the predictive nature of the movie is coming into play as some might want to think. Within the next decade however its hard to think that well be doing air high-fives and having VR sex for fear of contracting any unwanted diseases. Plus, growing babies in a lab just doesnt sound like something that a lot of people would get on board with.

Movies set in the future are typically a lot of fun since they tend to predict certain outcomes based on habitual behavior and trends of the day and how they could possibly expand in the years to come, but rarely are they ever really worth using as predictors when it comes to stating how life will be at some point in the future. After all, according to a lot of futuristic movies we were supposed to have flying cars, suspended highways, time travel, and various other wondrous inventions by now that havent been seen since movie magic is fanciful and fun but its not realistic and likely as not it would be extremely costly. Think of what a flying car would cost right now and what it might take to actually earn the permission to operate one. The Demolition Man was a nice jump into a future where cryogenics are seen as the pacifistic and kind way to store the worst of the worst instead of locking them away for life and possibly executing them for their crimes. Those that are against the death penalty usually have their reasons, and sometimes theyre right, but stacking people like ice cubes and later on learning that theyre still awake while in hibernation sounds even more inhumane than sticking a needle in their arm. Some prisoners might even prefer the needle if they were to realize that theyd be spending their time in prison literally in the ice.

One reason Id say that a Demolition Man sequel isnt needed is that the movie did end on a pretty good note with Spartan and Huxley appearing as though they might be an item, Edgar Friendly and his people were topside once again and about to integrate with everyone, and things were about to go back to the way they were pre-Cocteau, as in back to the normal that we know today. The one thing with a utopia is that as a reality its not bound to work and as an ideal its like a shifting tide, its different for everyone and very few people are ever going to fully agree on one ideal for everyone. Trying to create such a place is next to impossible since it would mean creating a world thats bound to encapsulate everyones likes and none of their dislikes, which isnt possible since the likes of some are the dislikes of others. See how that works? Michael Shermer of The Week has a more in-depth explanation of this idea. As far as a sequel goes for Demolition Man though one would have to think about who the main bad guy would be, since there would need to be one, and why in the world theyd start causing trouble. Obviously Spartan would still be around to do his thing, but as weve seen in the latest Rambo movie, Stallone is getting kind of old to do all the same action sequences he used to do so readily. A sequel would also need to cover a lot of bases between the last movie and now, and of course, the three seashells thing would need to be explained. You thought I would leave that out, didnt you?

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Are We Going to See a Demolition Man Sequel? - TVOvermind

Photo by Jason Hope

While much of the world is on hold right now due to the coronavirus pandemic, demolition has begun on an iconic part of the University of Kentucky campus. The Kirwan-Blanding dormitory complex is finally being dismantled after sitting vacant for over four years.

Some pictures from Jason Hope on Facebook:

Photo by Jason Hope

Photo by Jason Hope

Photo by Jason Hope

UK friends- just when you thought the world couldnt be more upside down, they started to demolish South Campus.

Posted by Jason Hope onThursday, April 16, 2020

The two 23-story towers and eight surrounding low-rise buildings were built in the 1960s and sit on 14 acres.Demolition is expected to cost $15 million ($10 million from an internal loan, $5 million from private funding), which pales in comparison to the $126 million estimate to renovate the buildings to modern standards.

A map of the area, per the Herald-Leader:

Once the complex is demolished which could take 12-15 months UK will use the area for a new 500-bed dormitory and large green space. If approved, the goal is to have the dormitory ready for the 2022-23 school year.

Feel free to share your favorite Kirwan-Blanding memories below.

Here is the original post:
LOOK: Demolition of the Kirwan-Blanding complex has begun - kentuckysportsradio.com

Saying those seeking to raze a derelict greenhouse followed the process outlined in a local ordinance, New Canaans town building official last week told members of an appointed municipal body that he wouldnt enforce their request to re-notice the structure.

The disused and damaged greenhouse at the New Canaan Nature Center is to be demolished. Credit: Michael Dinan

According to some members of the Historical Review Committee, the sign affixed to a ca.-1900 greenhouse at the New Canaan Nature Center failed to meet a requirement that it be posted in a conspicuous location of the property on which the structure is situated and that its visible from the nearest public street or other accessway adjoining the property.

Committee member Ed Vollmer said during the appointed bodys April 16 meeting that there are people who are unhappy with what is going on and the destruction of the greenhouse because it is considered a historic building.

Under local ordinance, if a letter objecting to a planned demolition is received within 15 days of publication of the notice in a newspaper, then the Committee may decide to impose a delay period of up to 90 days. In this case, however, the Nature Centers notice was published Feb. 6, meaning the objection period expired Feb. 21four days before a New Canaan woman filed her letter, which was therefore rejected by Town Building Official Brian Platz.

Vollmer said the Committees review and opportunity to impose a delay should have been triggered.

Our job is basically to recognize this and to agree or not agree with the individual but not to have a chance to do this is very upsetting, he said at the meeting, held via videoconference. It is upsetting because that is what our purview is. So the fact that it was signed property is fine, but we did not have an opportunity to weigh in on it. And this is getting slipped into the cracks and is there no way to redeem or review this? Is there any way we can go back and what authority can we go to, to deal with it? We would like to see an opportunity for people in town to make a choice.

Platz noted that he is the enforcement agent for the Committee as well as the demolition delay ordinance, saying, It is my position that unless you can demonstrate to me a clear violation of the provisions of the ordinance, then you do not get a second bite at the apple.

Even so, the Committee voted 5-0 in favor of a motion made by Secretary Rose Rothbart that the signage at the Nature Center was not in compliance with the ordinance and requesting that additional signage be posted on Oenoke Ridge.

Platz said, I will not enforce that, and the following exchange ensued:

Rothbart: You wont enforce what the ordinance says?

Platz: I will enforce what the ordinance says. The ordinance doesnt say two signs. You can change the ordinance moving forward but you cant do that retroactively for this application.

Rothbart: But can we request that for the town?

Platz: You can request whatever you want, but I am not enforcing it.

In addition to Rothbart and Vollmer, those voting in favor of the motion included Chair Mark Markiewicz, Andrew Melillo and Marty Skrelunas.

Platz noted that even if the applicantin this case, the town itself, as the Nature Center is situated on town propertydid re-post demolition notices on Oenoke Ridge, that wouldnt trigger the opportunity for any delay period, because the objection period lapsed.

Committee members said they would recommend changes to the ordinance to the Town Council Bylaws & Ordinances Committee. Specifically, the Committee said it would seek to flesh out the definition of conspicuous in the ordinance and consider a requirement for on-street signs where the structures to be demolished are on interior lots.

The physical sign itself is one of three ways that residents are notified of an intention to demolish a structure, under local law. Notice must be published in a print newspaper, and those seeking formal notice of any such application may sign up to be notified by certified mail from the town.

Yet the Committee also said theres a problem with that form of notice. Specifically, Rothbart said that she didnt receive a notice by certified mail even though shes on the list.

Platz noted that what the local ordinance and State Demolition Code specifically require is confirmation that such notices are mailed, not proof of return receipt, as Rothbart described.

Certified mail is just a confirmation from the Post Office, he said. You do not have to sign for certified mail, that is return receipt.

Though the Committee voted unanimously in favor of the motion regarding a second sign, not every member agreed that the applicant in the case of the greenhouse had run afoul of the ordinance.

For example, when Rothbart said the sign on the greenhouse was the absolute opposite definition of conspicuous, Melillo noted that the language is meant to preempt an attempt to hide such a sign behind a tree or under vines (which this one wasnt), and that the ordinance says it must be visible from a public road or other accessway.

The sign was right in front of the building, he said, adding, Its not being purposely hidden.

Read the original:
'I Will Not Enforce That': Committee, Building Official at Odds Over Demolition Notice - New Canaanite

District 47 - West TN - NorthernCARROLL COUNTY, SR-22A: Bridge repair in Huntingdon over Brier Creek at LM 0.34 and over CSX Railroad at LM 3.10.Restrictions: Monday, March 9, 2020: SR 22A will be reduced to one lane traffic with a traffic signal system.

DYER COUNTY, SR-20 (US-412): The resurfacing on SR 20 from US 51 (SR 3) to the Crockett County Line will cause temporary lane closures throughout the project.

GIBSON COUNTY, SR-43 (US-45E):Monday, April 6 through Thursday, April 9, 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.: There will be temporary day time lane closures and nightly shoulder closure on SR 43 MM 6.7 to MM 6.9 near SR 187 (Graball Drive).

HENDERSON COUNTY (New Lexington By-Pass) : The grading, drainage, construction of bridges and retaining walls, signals and paving on US 412 (SR 459) from US 412 (SR 20) west of Lexington to near SR 22 south of Lexington. Motorists should watch for trucks entering and exiting the roadway.

HENRY COUNTY, SR-54: The grading, drainage, construction of bridges, retaining wall and paving on SR 54 from near Rison Street to near Smith Road. Motorists should watch for trucks entering and exiting the roadway. *Speed limit has been reduced to 35MPH.Restrictions: Monday, November 25, 2019: Bridge work on SR 54 at LM 12.02 (Bridge nearest Guthrie) is causing a 10 lane restriction. *Traffic has been shifted to Phase 3 of traffic control.

OBION COUNTY, Future I-69 (Phase 2): Grading, drainage, construction of eight bridges on future I-69 from south of US 51 (SR 3) to south of US 45W (SR 5) will cause possible lane closures throughout the project. *Speed limit is reduced to 45 MPH through the US 51 (SR 3) portion of the project. The southbound traffic has been switched to the northbound side on SR 3 throughout the work zone, for phase 2 construction.

Restrictions: Wednesday, November 6, 2019: SR 3 will have traffic in the outside lanes in both directions. Inside lanes will be closed for construction. Traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction with an 11 6 lane restriction.

OBION COUNTY, Future I-69 (Phase 3): Grading, drainage, construction of bridges and paving on future I-69 from west of SR 21 to US 51 (SR 3) will cause possible lane closures throughout the project.

Monday, July 29, 2019: SR 21 North from Clifford Rives Road to Lindenwood Road. The closure is expected for approximately 1 year to allow the construction of the overhead Bridge on the new portion of SR 21 along with the Road & Drainage of the I-69 mainline. Northbound traffic will detour from SR 21 East onto Clifford Rives Road, then North on Bethlehem Road, West onto Lindenwood Road before proceeding North on SR 21. Southbound traffic will be in reverse order. Detour routes are posted.

OBION COUNTY, SR-43 (US 45E): Repair of the bridges (right & left) on SR 43 over overflow will cause possible lane closures throughout the project.

Restrictions: Beginning on Friday, January 24, 2020: SR 43 traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction at the bridges over overflow with a 12 lane restriction and a 5 6 shoulder restriction.

WEAKLEY COUNTY, SR-43 and SR-372 (45E Business) interchange (Region 4 Concrete Repair):Monday, April 22 through Friday, April 29, 6:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.: There will be a full and partial closures for concrete pavement repairs for the on and off ramps at SR 43 to Business 45E (SR 372) and SR 22 and US 45E in Weakley County. Only one ramp or lane will be closed at a time. A detour will be posted.

LOOK AHEAD:Wednesday, April 29 through Wednesday, May 6, 6:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.: There will be a full and partial closures for concrete pavement repairs for the on and off ramps at SR 43 to Business 45E (SR 372) and SR 22 and US 45E in Weakley County. Only one ramp or lane will be closed at a time. A Detour will be posted.

TDOT Region IV On-Call Retrace:Monday, April 27, through Monday, May 4: There will be moving lane closures for the retrace of lines in Tipton County on SR 3 and SR 14.

District 48 - West TN Middle/SouthernHARDIN COUNTY, SR-128 (Non-TDOT Work):Wednesday, April 22 through April 24, 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.: There will be intermittent lane closures on SR 128 adjacent to the Pickwick Dam to install shoulder rock along the guardrail.

HAYWOOD COUNTY, SR-76 (TDOT Maintenance): Friday, April 24, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.: There will be a closure on SR 79 from Allen Station and Dr. Hess Rd. A detour will be in place.

HAYWOOD COUNTY, SR-19 (Brownsville Bypass): The construction of an I-Beam bridge along with grading, drainage, and paving may cause temporary lane closures on SR 19 (Brownsville Bypass) from east of SR 87 LM 11.12 to west of Windrow Rd. LM 14.73. One lane will remain. Motorists should watch for trucks entering and exiting the roadway. Speed limit is reduced to 45 MPH within the project limits. On February 17, 2019 Shaw Chapel Rd was closed, and a detour put in place.

HAYWOOD COUNTY, SR-179:Tuesday, April 28 and Wednesday, April 29: The roadway will be closed on SR 179 (Main Street) near Stanton, TN for railroad crossing work. Detour will be posted

HENDERSON COUNTY, SR-20: The resurfacing with hot in-place recycling on US 412 (SR 20) from Crucifer Road (LM 4.23) to near Sea Horse Drive (LM 10.99) will cause temporary lane closures.

HENDERSON COUNTY, SR-20: The resurfacing with hot in-place recycling on US 412 (SR 20) from east of SR 22 (LM 12.85) to near the Chesterfield By-Pass (LM 20.03), including bridge expansion joint repair and thin epoxy overlay causing temporary lane closures.

MADISON COUNTY, SR-1: The repair of a bridge on SR 1 near Spring Creek, TN (LM 28.99) along with grading, drainage, and paving will cause temporary lane closures.

Restrictions: On April 13, 2020 was an 11 width restriction and a temporary signal will be put in place. Motorists should watch for crews and equipment in the roadways.

MADISON COUNTY, SR-186 (US 45 Bypass) and I-40: Interchange improvements on SR 186 (US 45) north and southbound from the I-40 ramps to Old Hickory Blvd for paving and construction of retaining walls. Widening of I-40 from just east of Exit 79 to just east of Exit 82.

Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for bridge demolition activities.

Friday, April 24, 8:00 p.m. through Monday, April 27, 6:00 a.m.: Close and detour Highland Ave. (Hwy 45) north and south bound from Ridgecrest Rd. to Vann Dr. for construction activities. I-40 Traffic will not be affected at Exit 82.

Saturday, April 25, 6:00 a.m.7:00 p.m.: Closure of I-40 eastbound right lane including on and off ramps for Exit 80 for removal and placement of barrier rail.

Monday, April 27 through Wednesday, April 29, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for bridge demolition activities.

LOOK AHEAD:Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for bridge demolition activities.

Monday, May 4 through Wednesday, May 6, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: SR 5 (Highland Avenue) will have intermittent left and right lane closures both north and southbound from Vann Drive to the Carriage House/Ridgecrest intersection for bridge demolition activities.

MADISON COUNTY, SR-198: The construction of a concrete box bridge on SR 198 over Bear Creek (LM 8.65) along with grading, drainage, and paving will cause temporary lane closures.

Restrictions: On April 29, 2019 there was an 11 width restriction and a temporary signal put in place. Motorists should watch for crews and equipment in the roadways. WEATHER PERMITTING.

MADISON COUNTY, SR-198 Non-TDOT Work):Wednesday, April 22, 8:00 a.m. through Friday, April 24, 5:00 p.m.: There will be a closure on SR 198 in Madison County from Hwy 70 to Mifflin Road for utility work. A detour will be posted.

TDOT District 48 MAINTENANCE:Wednesday, April 22 through Wednesday, April 29, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: There will be possible lane closures at various locations in Region IV in order to repair pavement on an as needed basis.

TDOT District 47 and 48 On-Call Guardrail/Concrete Barrier Rail Repair:Wednesday, April 22 through Wednesday, April 29: There are no scheduled closures.

District 49 - West TN Southwest

FAYETTE COUNTY, I-40: Resurfacing of I-40 from MM 35.0 to MM 43.0; Bridge Repair on I-40E over Wilder Creek at MM 34.5

LOOK AHEAD:

Friday, May 1, 8:00 p.m. through Monday, May 4, 6:00 a.m.: I-40 east bound at MM 34.5 will have a lane closure of the left lane for bridge repair activities over Wilder Creek. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in eastbound direction with a 12 0 lane restriction.

WEATHER PERMITTING. May 8-10 will serve as a backup.

Friday, May 1, through Tuesday, May 5, 8:00 p.m.6:00 a.m.: I-40 will have intermittent left and right lane closures both eastbound and westbound from MM 35.0 to MM 43.0.

Speed limit will be reduced to 60 MPH during active closures.

FAYETTE COUNTY, SR-196:Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24: The roadway will be closed on SR 196 (Main Street) near Gallaway, TN for railroad crossing work.

HAYWOOD AND SHELBY COUNTIES, VARIOUS INTERSTATES AND SR-4:Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: There will lane closures on I-40 (Haywood County) east and westbound at MM 48.2, I-55 (Shelby County) north and south bound at MM 2.2 and MM 9.2, and SR 4 (Shelby County) north and southbound at MM 3.2 to take grade and cross slope measurements to evaluate sites for possible future weigh-in-motion (WIM) locations.

LAUDERDALE COUNTY, SR-371: The repair of bridge over Cane Creek will cause a lane closure with temporary traffic signal near Pipkin Rd.

SHELBY COUNTY, SR-4 (Lamar Avenue) & SR 175 (Shelby Drive):Monday, April 27 through Friday, May 1, then Monday May 4, through Wednesday May 6,

9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: There will be a temporary lane closure on SR 4 (Lamar Avenue) north of SR 175 (Shelby Drive) to drill geotechnical borings. Work will begin in the northbound lanes Monday thru Thursday (4/27 to 4/30) and then switch to southbound lanes for the remainder of the requested shutdown time.

SHELBY COUNTY, SR-14: The grading, drainage, construction of concrete Bulb-Tee and I-beam bridges, signals and paving on SR 14 from east of Old Covington Pike to SR 385 will cause possible lane closures throughout the project. *Speed limit has been reduced to 45 MPH.

SHELBY COUNTY, SR-14: Construction on SR 14 for a widening project from SR 385 to east of Kerrville Rosemark Rd. There will be possible temporary lane closures throughout the project. *Speed limit has been reduced to 45 MPH.

TIPTON COUNTY, SR-3 (US-51): Resurfacing on SR-3 (US-51) from Winn Avenue to Hope Street

Thursday, April 23 through Wednesday, April 29, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.:

There will be intermittent lane closures on north and southbound SR 3 (US-51) from Winn Avenue to Hope Street (MM 15.0MM 19.0) for curb ramp installation and resurfacing. Weather Permitting.

TDOT District 49 MAINTENANCE:Thursday, April 23 through Wednesday, April 29, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: There will be possible lane closures on all interstates and state routes in District 49 for routine maintenance activities on an as needed basis.

TDOT District 49 On-Call Guardrail/Concrete Barrier Rail Repair:

Wednesday, April 22 through Tuesday, April 28, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: There will be night time lane closures at various locations on SR 3 (Shelby, Tipton, and Lauderdale Counties), SR 385 (Shelby County), SR 15 (Shelby County), SR 175, SR 14 (Shelby and Tipton County), I-40 (Fayette and Shelby Counties), I-269 (Shelby and Fayette Counties), I-55 and I-240. One lane will be CLOSED to repair damaged guardrail.

Wednesday, April 22 through Tuesday, April 28, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: The following ramps will be closed to repair damaged guardrail: THP will assist with traffic control. Weather Permitting.

I-40 westbound EXIT 18 on ramp from SR 15 (US 64)

I-55 northbound on ramp from EXIT 12C Metal Museum Drive

I-240 westbound EXIT 25A to I-55 southbound

I-240 eastbound EXIT 28B South Parkway westbound

I-240 eastbound EXIT 23A to northbound Airways

SR 14 northbound Exit to Raleigh-Millington

Thursday, April 23 through Wednesday, April 29, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: There will be day time lane closures at various locations in Tipton County on SR 14, SR 59, SR 206, and SR 178; Fayette County on SR 86; and Shelby County on SR 204 and SR 388 to repair damaged guardrail. One lane will be CLOSED in each direction to repair damaged guardrail. Flagmen will be used where necessary. THP will assist with traffic control. Weather Permitting.

LOOK AHEAD

Wednesday, April 29 through Tuesday, May 5, 8:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.: The following ramps will be closed to repair damaged guardrail: THP will assist with traffic control. Weather Permitting

I-40 westbound EXIT 18 on ramp from SR 15 (US 64)

I-55 northbound on ramp from EXIT 12C Metal Museum Drive

I-240 westbound EXIT 25A to I-55 southbound

I-240 eastbound EXIT 28B South Parkway westbound

I-240 eastbound EXIT 23A to northbound Airways

SR 14 northbound Exit to Raleigh-Millington

TDOT District 49 On-Call Signing on various Interstates and state routes

Wednesday, April 22 through Tuesday, April 28, 8:00 p.m.6:00 a.m.: There will be nighttime lane closures at various locations on I-40 east and westbound in Shelby, Fayette, Madison, Henderson, and Benton Counties; I-240 east and westbound, MM 23.0MM 30.9; SR 385 east and westbound, MM 0.00MM 49.0; I-269 northbound in Shelby County, MM 0.000.6; I-155 northbound in Dyer County, MM15.015.4; SR5 northbound in Madison County, MM 0.000.4; and SR 3 southbound in Obion County, MM 29.429.6. One lane will be CLOSED. THP will assist with traffic control. Weather Permitting.

Thursday, April 23 through Wednesday, April 29, 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.: There will be daytime shoulder closures at various locations on I-40 east and westbound in Shelby, Fayette, Madison, Henderson, and Benton Counties; I-240 east and westbound, MM 23.0MM 30.9; SR 385 east and westbound, MM 0.00MM 49.0; I-269 northbound in Shelby County, MM 0.000.6; I-155 northbound in Dyer County, MM15.015.4; SR 5 northbound in Madison County, MM 0.000.4; and SR 3 southbound in Obion County, MM 29.429.6. THP will assist with traffic control. Weather Permitting.

NON-TDOT/City of Memphis work

SHELBY COUNTY, I-40: Memphis Cook Convention Center

Monday, October 7, 2019, 6:00 a.m. through Sunday, May 31, 2020: On October 7, 2019 the exit ramp from I-40 eastbound (Exit 1, Front Street) was fully closed for upgrades to the Memphis Cook Convention Center. The ramp split to Riverside Dr. will remain open. Traffic will be controlled by signage and traffic barrels. Drivers should exercise caution when approaching and traveling through work zones.

From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at http://www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel or for West Tennessee follow https://twitter.com/NicLawrenceTDOT.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

In 2016, the Tennessee Department of Transportation lost three workers in the line of duty. All three were struck by passing motorists. Those tragedies bring the total number of TDOT lives lost to 112. We dont want to lose another member of our TDOT family. Were asking you to WORK WITH US. Click on the WORK WITH US logo to learn more.

Excerpt from:
West Tennessee Weekly Construction April 22-29, 2020 - tn.gov

Colorado snow plow on the Colorado Midland R.R., Hagerman Pass ,1899. William Henry Jackson, Courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C.

Whenever the white stuff starts falling, we grab those phones and cameras and start snapping those awesome snow shots. If we can get our dogs or kiddos in there, well, all the better. There's just something we have to capture forever about a Colorado landscape covered in snow.

Turns out, this is nothing new for the people of Colorado. Though they may not have had social media to share the snaps on, Coloradans have been taking pictures of the snow (and their dogs!) for over 100 years. Check out some of these really awesome historical pictures we found of Colorado's snowy past!

16th Street in winter, Denver, Colorado.Image credit Clark Blickensderfer, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C.

Snow Cut on Pike's Peak, May 17, 1900Image credit DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University from the album titled 'Tourist Album: Mexico, Arizona, California, Colorado and Utah.'

Courtesy of the Colorado State University Historic Photograph Collection, Fort Collins (Facebook)

The Colorado Snowsports Museum has shared several other amazing photos of people enjoying the snow in Colorado throughout the years:

And it's not just people who love the Colorado snow in these historic photos, even the doggos are getting in on the fun!

British Antarctic Expedition, image credit Herbert G. Ponting.Courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C.

Three boys with pullcarts and a dog on a retaining wall, Charles S. Lillybridge, 1849-1935Courtesy of History Colorado Online Collection

Comment below with your favorite snow photofrom Colorado's storied past!

Here is the original post:
Historic Colorado: 100-Plus Years of Photographers Capturing Images of Snow, Dogs, and the Human Spirit - Our Community Now at Maryland

It may have been a while since youve been far past your house and neighborhood. But in March, just as the coronavirus spread began shutting things down, a couple of new, brightly-colored murals popped up see in downtown Austin.

The murals, both keyed to this years centenary celebration of 19th Amendment and womens right to vote, are a part of the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundations new Writing on The Walls program, an annual series of public art installations and events. And its a tale of three artists and two walls: internationally renowned street artist Shepard Fairey and Canadian artist Shandra Chevrier collaborated on the large-scale mural on the west side of the LINE Hotel downtown, while local artist Sad Lawson was chosen to transform the wall under the Lamar Boulevard underpass.

On the west side of the LINE Hotel, a new 12-story mural by famed street artist Shepard Fairey and Canadian pop painter Shandra Chevrier, is now the largest mural in Austin. Photo by Cody Bjornson

Molly Alexander, executive director of the foundation, a newly-formed offshoot of the Downtown Austin Alliance, says the focus of the Writing on the Walls program is to turn more of Austins public spaces, sidewalks and parks, which make up half of the land downtown, from transient places to conversation topics.

We spend so much time thinking about the transformation of the landscape in our city around tall buildings and density and I think sometimes we miss the opportunity to think about what the rest of our land looks like, to really make them special to people and meaningful, Alexander says.

They quickly found that finding walls could be a complicated process, Alexander says, balancing the wants and needs of the city with that of property owners and downtown residents while keeping in mind the wall as a potential canvas. A conversation with Susan Lambe, who leads the citys Art In Public Places Program, resulted in securing the Lamar wall for the project, where they wanted to help amplify a local artist due to the heavy-traffic of the spot.

[Susan said] if you could do one thing, get me that wall on Lamar because we cant seem to get it. I dont think anybody really knew who owned it or had the license for it. Its kind of complicated, Alexander says.

In short, they were able to find out that while the Union Pacific Railroad owned the wall, Gables Residential had a license agreement with the city that was created during the construction of the adjacent apartment complex in order to keep the retaining wall in tact. The Gables company loved the idea of a mural and gave approval readily.

Sad Lawsons mural now joins Data Tells A Story, an mural-based installation by Laurie Frick along the Lamar Blvd. underpass. Photo by Cody Bjornson

The new Lamar underpass mural greets Northbound drivers just before artist Laurie Fricks Data Tells A Story, offering an atypical sense of permanence compared to the lackluster tagging that for so long defined the wall. The images depicts three women of color the same figure in primary colors of red, blue and yellow surrounded by water lilies. Called Its Okay to Not Be Okay, the mural is by Austin artist Sad Lawson, who imagined a mural that touched on the overarching theme of the program womens empowerment and a topic she incorporates frequently in her work, mental health.

How can I illustrate somebody being empowered by all of their motions, not just the ones that are deemed okay or accepted? Lawson says.

After being approached by Carlos DeLuca of Station 16 Gallery in Quebec, Canada, who was working in a curatorial role with Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation, Lawson came up with a plan in ten days. Her mural was painted in early March and took around a week to complete.

Lawson has been living and making art in Austin for seven years and says while she still deals with social anxiety, connecting with local artist communities such as the Cherry Cola Dog collective at their weekly Art Will Save Us events helped her find her niche.

I was pushed by people asking When are you going to come out and live paint? because live painting really was the thing to do, Lawson says. It was a really easy and cool way for the people, not just artists, but the community, to come in and see how you work, who you are, what your style is and see you as a person.

She started participating in live art battles with the Cherry Cola Dog folks and performed at one of street art group sprATXs summer bashes, happening which helped her get used to painting quickly with an audience of curious strangers. Lawson says she was initially intimidated by the size of the Lamar wall having previously painted mostly small-scale murals, but she was confident in her abilities to paint and her support of the community.

I think when you have something very important to say or a message that you feel is really close to your heart, being able to put them in a public space, thats just fantastic, Lawson says.

While painting the mural, Lawson reports that passersby in cars honked, waved, and some even stopped to see what was going on. Regular Lamar commuters, myself included, were happy to see some TLC on such a historically misused site.

Feedback from strangers was very overwhelming, people I didnt even know were thanking me for bringing some brightness to that area, Lawson says. Its a wall that was heavily tagged up and just didnt have consistent type of work. People would paint over the walls with a bunch of different colors, which is crazy, because when we were painting on the walls, the wall would give and, its kind of gross, but water would leak out of the wall. Paint was just packed on there.

The whole mural was completed in a week with the help of an assistant hired by Station 16 Gallery and some skilled female brush painters Lawson brought on. Lawson also participated in some programs at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders.

The companion mural to Lawsons is a twelve-story monument featuring Wonder Woman breaking the chains of inequality. It towers over Congress Avenue on the west side of the LINE Hotel. Co-created by famed street artists Shepard Fairey and Canadian pop painter Shandra Chevrier, it is now the largest mural in Austin.

The new 12-story mural on the LINE Hotel in Austin is themed to the centenary celebration of the 19th Amendment and womens right to vote. Photo by Cody Bjornson

Negotiations between the LINE Hotel and Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation lasted about a year, Alexander said, adding that the LINE had a desire to connect its Austin property with its hotel in Los Angeles, which also features a large-scale mural by Fairey.

Partnering Fairey with Chevrier, who had never met, took some intentionality on the part project organizers. Both Fairey and Chevrier work heavily with multimedia and portraits. Chevrier headed up the design and Fairey worked with her to bring it to life.

Shepard was all in and recognized that we have to be careful with a white man taking center stage on something around women, Alexander says. But recognizing that if were to do this, we need to create an allyship because women and all voices have to be lifted up together.

While the longevity of street arts can be unpredictable, Alexander hopes the two new murals will last between five to ten years. The Writing On The Walls program will continue in the future and the team is actively searching for new walls downtown. But, like the rest of the world, they are on hold until COVID_19 subsides.

Lawson continues to make things during quarantine, including paintings and stickers, and tries to stay in touch with her audience. While she gained some of the public limelight with this project, she hopes leverage that to keep producing work and engaging with the community.

(My mural) is changing peoples daily routines, she says They have something different to look at and can see their space in a good way.

Follow this link:
New Downtown Austin Murals Nod to the 19th Amendment - Sightlines

Construction on the CrosstownLRT will stop for nothing not a pandemic, and certainly not a ravine filled with trees.

Over the past week, scores of trees lining Eglinton Avenue East have been cut down, to the dismay of Leaside residents.

When the clearing is complete sometime next week, 274 trees between Brentcliffe Avenue and Leslie Street will have been removed to make way for a retaining wall that will sit on the north side of Eglinton Avenue after it's been widened.

According to Leaside Residents Assocation(LRA) co-president Geoff Kettel, work first started on March 24, but "horrified neighbours" of Thursfield Crescent, whose properties line the ravine, intervened.

Before and after photos of the ravine after tree removal along Eglinton Avenue East. Photo via LRA.

"The LRA was contacted by Thursfield neighbours, who in addition to the epidemic-related stress that all of us are dealing with right now, were losing (and have now lost) the treed skyline, a big part of the 'peace and enjoyment'of their property," said Kettel.

Over a three-week break, Metrolinx and the LRA arranged a teleconference meetingand compiled a Q&A document for residents.

But Kettelsays the questions were only "partially answered", without proper explanation of the tree removal plan.

Nearly 300 trees are being cleared to make way for a retaining wall lining Eglinton Ave. Photo via City of Toronto.

The number of trees, which are being removed all the way up to residents' property lines, is "the minimum amount required to safely construct the retaining wall and perform associated grading works," said the City.

A Leaside resident named Susan, who lives in a condo on the other side of the street and has direct view of the construction site, calls the tree removal "a sad day".

"...I am going to miss the view I had from my balcony especially in the summer/fall," she said."It used to be beautiful trees and now it will be a huge retaining wall."

via Leaside resident Susan

Read more:
Almost 300 trees are being cut down in a Toronto neighbourhood and residents aren't happy - blogTO