The excessive heat we’ve had so far this summer is putting a damper on many people’s plans, including construction projects in Jefferson.

City Administrator Mike Palmer says the high temperatures have started to delay progress on the overpass project. The first of four concrete pours to install the bridge deck have been completed, but the next section can’t be completed until temperatures fall under 90 degrees.  Thankfully, that might be possible later this week as the National Weather Service is forecasting 87 degree high temperatures both Friday and Saturday.

In other construction project news, the concrete paving on the north approach from Central Avenue to the bridge base is scheduled for next week.  Palmer says the new street lights have also been installed along the access road that serves businesses on the north end of the bridge.  They’re similar to the lighting systems that will be put into place on the bridge and downtown.

As for the downtown restoration project, light post columns have been installed on half of the main intersections and light fixtures will be installed within the next month.  Crews are still working on the corner of Chestnut and Lincoln Way, once that’s finished the contractor will close the intersection of Wilson and Lincoln Way.  Once all intersections are complete, work will begin on the sidewalks instead of the square.

As a reminder, the Tuesday farmers market will continue to operate on the square throughout the construction.  Palmer says for the next 4-6 weeks, it will be located on the north side, along State Street.