Central Subway Construction Moving Along…

We’re more than a month into the Central Subway construction on Fourth Street, and I must say that from what I’ve seen, it’s been relatively light in terms of traffic congestion or any other issues.
 

If anything, the construction process has actually gotten rid of (or at least relocated) the problem of transients living under the Route 80 overpass near 4th and Bryant.

For quite some time there was an issue of people breaking the fences in that area and a large group of homeless and otherwise displaced individuals using it as their temporary dwelling.

Now that whole area is covered in construction equipment, and even the secret entrance toward the back of the off-ramp is closed off with a temporary fence. In fact, I no longer see anyone loitering under the ramp when I walk by. I haven’t even seen anybody walking near that corner waiting until they thought nobody was watching.

When they began this construction, I was apprehensive about all of the congestion, noise and dust that would be kicked into the nearby area, but I must say so far it’s seemed to turn the neighborhood around in a positive way.

Of course I realize this project will take at least the next year, and I’m sure it will involve a lot of lane closures, if not the entire street. But in such a short amount of time, I already see the positives. Ask me again in a month or two though… How do you feel about the construction? Is it good or bad for the neighborhood?

There are some more photos after the jump for anyone who cares.

Parking signs warning cars not to stop anywhere along Fourth Street for the next month.

Highway dividers that will undoubtedly close lane(s) of traffic along Fourth Street in the coming months.

Not sure exactly what those are, but I’m sure they symbolize a lot of digging to come.

Speaking of digging… it’s already begun on the north side of Fourth.