The last several weeks, weather-wise, have been hard on construction projects all over the area. The town of Blacksburg is no different, with what it calls the "Promenade Project."
A simple drive by the corner of College and Main in Blackburg, and you know it's not what it used to be.
The past several weeks have been all about rain, wind and snow falling all around these parts. When that happens heavy equipment, siding, fencing, concrete mixers, none of it moves.
Im Hagan owns "Rita's Italian Ice" on College Avenue. His business needs foot traffic but he know some things can't be helped. "With mother nature as far as construction goes, there's not much we can do about it.' Hagan continued, 'but does that bother me? Well with the snow, actually I prefer it to be snowing than raining because people don't come out in the rain."
The Promenade Project manager said right now this streetscape is actually ahead of schedule.
During the Winter and Spring, crews lose about a day and a half every week because of the weather, BUT that delay is built into the time table.
The Virginia Tech portion of College Avenue is moving along and should be done by late next month.
The idea is to widen this street, making it a destination point, not just a hangout. But that means losing valuable parking spots.
Rita Buggs lives in Christiansburg, but the parking situation oftentimes keeps her away from Blacksburg, "That's one of the reasons I don't come to Blacksburg all that often, is because of the parking. It's almost impossible to find a parking place."
While equipment's not moving on this day, the utilities and drainage systems have been put in, and when the weather breaks, concrete sidewalks, handicap ramps and a new Hokie stone wall will be done.
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