By Chris Fish
cfish@hometownnewsol.com
MELBOURNE - Beginning Oct. 4, the eastern section of New Haven Avenue will become a one-way street during road renovations until August 2013, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
The changes and other traffic adjustments are required as part of a major roadway project that includes the reconstruction of New Haven Avenue between U.S. 1 and the Melbourne Causeway.
The funding for the $6.2 million project will come from a state-funded, five year work program.
Steve Olson, the public information officer for the Florida Department of Transportation, said while the construction is primarily a repaving project, other renovations will be made, including a right-turn lane southbound onto Babcock Street.
"Drivers kind of create their own turn lane at the moment," he said. "We are working to build an actual turn lane for that area."
Mr. Olson said changes will be made to pedestrian walk areas, including making the walk buttons more accessible for handicapped pedestrians, as well as the repainting of crosswalks.
Mr. Olson said traffic will be affected and the FDOT will do its best to aid the businesses along the construction areas.
"Drivers will have to get used to a new driving pattern in the area," he said. "We expect businesses along the area will be impacted by the construction, but we will be placing blue signage, showing where they (are located to drivers)."
Also beginning on Oct. 4, Front Street will be closed at its intersection with New Haven Avenue for a month. Access to Front Street can be made From Melbourne Avenue.
In addition to the reconstruction of New Haven Avenue, the project will also resurface the five-mile area of U.S. 1 from Law Street southward to the Crane Creek Bridge, stopping at Roosevelt Avenue.
All construction is expected to be complet in the fall of 2013, Mr. Olson said.
Project information is available online from FDOT at www.cflroads.com.