October 22, 2007

This letter is to inform you of the progress on the West First Street Reconstruction project in front of your home.  Originally, we had anticipated that the project would be completed by October 19^th.  At the end of September, Alliant Energy had asked if they could reconstruct their gas mains and services from Third Avenue to Fifth Avenue before the pavement was replaced.  This work took approximately 3 weeks.  The First Street Contractor was not able to work during this time.  Along with the delay from the gas main relocations, the recent wet weather has also greatly slowed construction.

Fortunately, the project is nearly ready for the mainline of First Street to be paved.  The street is to its final grade, and the sub-grade has been prepared for pavement.  If the weather remains dry, we anticipate paving the mainline of First Street on October 24, 2007.  The paving will take a full day to do and there may be the need to place lighting up to finish the work.  After the mainline has been paved and has a chance to harden, the contractor will follow up with paving the sidestreet connections, driveways, and sidewalks.  We anticipate that the contractor will finish grade the site yet this fall.  The only work that should remain until next spring is the final seedbed preparation and seeding.  This will happen as soon as possible next spring.

We appreciate your patience as we complete this project.  The wet weather this fall has been frustrating many project schedules.  The contractor will work hard to complete the project as soon as possible.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 515-964-2020. 

Sincerely,

Gabriel A.
Nelson, P.E.

Project Engineer