Thanks to an accelerated work schedule, construction on Pier Avenue is slated to be completed Aug. 10, nearly a month earlier than contractor Pima Corp. had predicted.
Workers are now paving sidewalks on the north side of Pier Avenue and restoring parking in some parts of the project site, Richard Morgan, city public works director, told the City Council at a meeting Tuesday.
"Right now, we're not seeing any problems," he said. "They're picking up efficiencies out there."
Once completed, the Pier Avenue Improvement Project will provide the city with wider sidewalks, green landscape, a new storm drainage system, energy-efficient street lighting and environmentally friendly street furnishings.
Construction will be temporarily delayed this weekend for Fiesta Hermosa, an annual arts and crafts show at the Hermosa Beach pier, Morgan said. Walkways will lead pedestrians around the Pier Avenue construction, which local businesses have been dealing with since January.
"A thanks goes out to those businesses for being so patient," Morgan said.
Pier Avenue merchants are looking forward to the project's completion. Some say the construction noise and limited parking have hurt business.
"People can't cross at some of the crosswalks, so that's an issue with getting people here," said Alex Capo, who works at Los Muchachos restaurant.
Garrett Salling, co-owner of skateboard and clothing store Coastal Connection, said that even though the work has affected business, he believes his shop and others will eventually benefit.
"It's a good thing this is getting done," he said. "It's going to be more pedestrian friendly in the end and hopefully increase sales."
