Market Street streetscape progress, Main Street closures and traffic-signal timeline announced

City administrator Roger Houck told the council the TDOT TAP Market Street streetscape project is roughly 331 days into a 546-day schedule — about 60% complete — and that most of the disruptive work has finished. He said crews will begin about 38 lateral hookups on Main Street in January, requiring block-by-block shutdowns for roughly a month to connect businesses to new mains. Houck asked the council and the public to expect short-term closures as crews finish sidewalks, steps and ramps.

Houck said Market Street crews have completed conduit and begun work on sidewalks and that the city is targeting Feb. 1–March 1 for planting more than 200 trees and plants, noting the need to hit a correct planting window for survival. He described the remaining work as largely final touches and paving, with a general completion target cited as July for the overall streetscape look, while some punch-list items may continue afterward.

On separate projects, Houck reported the armory grant work is going smoothly and that the Mariner Point traffic-signal installation is awaiting a cabinet; he estimated the cabinet delivery would take about two months, putting the signal in service likely around March.

Council members asked for regular updates and one asked staff to return with paperwork later if needed to address governance questions related to the Clinton Utilities Board. City staff said they would research outstanding governance questions and bring options back to the council.