Northport Main Avenue Closed Between 5th and 10th

It's going to be a pain for a while but when it us finished it will be nice. That was the general sentiment of motorists attempting to navigate 'Road Closed' and 'Detour Ahead' signs along Main Street in downtown Northport today.

Main Avenue is closed between 5th and 10th streets as the Main Avenue Improvement Project is now underway. The inconvenience could last up to a year.

The city engineering department says it will post regular updates on the work's impact on The City of Northport Alert Center website and the city's Facebook page.

The post currently on the city's website states, "Road closures should be anticipated throughout the duration of the project, which is expected to last approximately 12 months. Access to local residences and businesses will be maintained during construction. For questions or additional information, please contact the Northport Engineering Department at (205) 339-7000."

When ground was broken on the project last year, the city stated, "The Main Avenue project is designed to improve connectivity and revitalize a key corridor in the city." The project includes enhancing downtown infrastructure with improved roads, parking, safety, lighting and sidewalks. The funds are a matching federal 80% city 20% through the Tuscaloosa Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Downtown business owners say the end product of the improvement project will be beneficial but still voice concern that restricted access to some businesses could be problematic during construction.

Contractor for the improvement project is GFC Construction, Inc with TTL, Inc, doing the engineering. The work is one of seven different improvement projects in Northport.