The 600 block of Main Street looks like it’s close to being completed. I spoke to a business owner on the street who told me that the first cars are anticipated to hit the street the second week in October. He also said that last week, work went into overdrive in order to offer guests to Curtain Up! a glimpse of what the street will ultimately look like (benches, flowers, lighting, bike lanes, etc).
A walk down Main Street is more pleasant than ever. The only think missing is activity (people). That will surely come as the parking spaces are filled, the bike lanes are activated and the remaining traces of the work-zone are removed.
On another bright note, the giant green electric box has been removed from in front of Town Ballroom, giving the venue needed exposure. Town Ballroom recently was the recipient of a facade grant that will allow the owners to make some overall improvements to spiff the place up, including an electronic marquees.
It seems so strange to see the grade train crossing signals at intersections, and where the cars enter onto the Metro Rail tracks at East Tupper. Despite the oddness of their presence, I like their addition to the street. For the most part, cars will be sharing the rail bed on Main Street. There are dedicated (close quarter) bike lanes alongside. The only short stretch where cars and bikes (sharrows) have a dedicated street is at the point where the Metro Rail goes underground (at East Tupper). Otherwise, drivers will simply follow behind the Metro Rail cars (similar to Toronto).
Work is also well underway at Main Street on the Fountain Plaza 500-block. Another passenger station is being fashioned into place. These new stations are a breath of fresh air compared to the old clunky stations that looked more like a dated amusement park or mall features.