A look at the current condition of 16th Street West. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

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After almost a week of delays due to the weather, construction work has resumed on a section of road on the edge of Prince Albert’s downtown area.

The news will surely be welcomed by the businesses on 16th Street West, who have watched their street turn into what can only be described as a mud pit suitable only for monster trucks. Bill Mathers, co-owner of Rod’s Decorating Centre told paNOW business has been slower.

“Everybody that comes in comments on the street but we are a little luckier. We do have some back alley access. I’m sure some of the businesses farther down the street are worse off,” he said.

Wendy Milliken at Creative Looks also acknowledged an impact.

“Some of our girls they work on the walk-ins, well there hasn’t been any walk ins, so we are just working by appointments only and, yes, some have come in with mud up to their ankles. It’s been rough for sure,” she said.

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The section of 16th Street West between Second and Fourth Avenues has been blocked off since the end of the May long weekend. The project includes replacement of the underlying sewer main as well as a complete makeover of the curbs, paving and sidewalks above.

The total timeline was seven weeks and the city has, as recently as June 10, issued letters to businesses with an update on the work.

That being said the overlying messages from the businesses in the area to their customers, appears to be we are open.

“Be patient and understand when it’s all done, it’s gonna look wonderful”, Milliken said.

Crew members assess the situation at hand. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Jessica Tychowski at Iceberg Pure Water is looking forward to the work being done, explaining how in the past there has been bad drainage issues due to the way the concrete was formed.

“I think it’s beneficial for the other business owners to have proper draining, instead of having pockets of water along the road,” she said.

With respect to her own business, Tychowski said out-of-town deliveries has helped balance things out, and they have even offered to carry water across the street for people who want to park at the Co-op gas station.

Normally this time of year, the business would open at 9 a.m rather than 12 p.m. but Tychowski now plans to wait until after the work is done outside.

“Right now there’s no point for me to be open and having customers getting stuck and getting mad,” she said.

A spokesperson for the city’s public works department confirmed for paNOW the surface is dry enough now to allow crews to resume work.

He added that even with the weather delays, the expected completion date remains July 8. City crews are expected to work through some weekends

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nigel.maxwell@pattison,edia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxewll