Businesses and residents eager for the completion of roadwork in downtown Palatka will have to wait a little bit longer.
The Florida Department of Transportation said it has extended its contract 45 more days for ongoing drainage work at Ninth Street and St. Johns Avenue to extend the sewer line to U.S. 17.
“The original estimate provided was mid-September to October,” said Bianca Speights, community outreach specialist for the Florida Department of Transportation.
“However, 45 more days have been added to the contract. … With this in mind, late October is now the current completion date estimated, weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting. Hopefully, it will (be completed) before then.”
Speights said work crews were off Friday through Monday for Labor Day weekend. Work is scheduled to resume Tuesday, although she did not know if Hurricane Dorian could potentially delay work next week.
“We should have more of an update Tuesday,” Speights said.
Work began Monday on Ninth Street and St. Johns Avenue as the project enters its final phase.
Some businesses in the area told the Daily News on Tuesday they had been affected by the roadwork.
“People are telling us they can’t get to us,” said Barbara Smothers, who along with her husband owns the Dairy Queen at 822 St. Johns Ave. She said the store remains open for its regular business hours.