ROANOKE, Va. – When roadwork projects are underway where you work or live, they can certainly cause headaches.
The end result of Roanoke’s Melrose Avenue project will be worth the wait, according to city leaders.
The city has chosen the Northwest business district to receive new lights, new sidewalks, landscaping and bus shelters.
“The benefit we are hoping to get from this project is to encourage private investors and improve on sustainability, safety,” said Project Manager Josephus Johnson-Koroma.
Work is being completed in the 2200 and 2300 blocks of Melrose Avenue NW.
Mackenzie Woods’ business, Major Key Clothing, is at 2348 Melrose and he said that most of the project thus far has caused confusion for his customers as his main roadway access is not available.
“It’s really created a challenge for our customers to get access to the parking lot,” said Woods.
However, he welcomes the change because he wants to see things improved in an area that hasn’t always received a fair reputation.
“We have a lot of clientele that we serve. A lot of customers come here specifically to get their clothes,” explained Woods.
Johnson-Koroma said drainage and water-line work are what forced the closure.
In the end, flooding that used to be commonplace in the area should be resolved with these improvements as well.
The goal is to reopen the road partially next week with the project complete by July.