Cold Weather Delays Bruce B. Downs Construction

The Bruce B. Downs construction project was expected to be finished by Feb. 15, but cold weather in January has delayed the completion date by a couple weeks.

“We’re pushing hard to get it done,” said Scott Passmore of KCI Technologies, lead engineer for the project. “I would hope by the end of the month it will be complete.”

The cold weather pushed back the installation of thermoplastic striping on the pavement, Passmore said. The ambient air temperature has to be at least 50 degrees prior to striping for the markers to adhere properly.

“When it’s cold out, we can’t apply it,” he said.

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Work began on the $37 million Hillsborough County project in January 2010. Once complete, Bruce B. Downs Boulevard will increase from four to eight lanes from Palm Springs Boulevard to Pebble Creek Drive.

In addition to increasing the number of traffic lanes, the project will bring landscaped medians, a sidewalk and asphalt path, plus bus bays.

The work has caused its share of headaches for local residents and business owners. Traffic jams have been up and business has been down, many have said.

In a January poll on New Tampa Patch, the majority of responders said the construction has changed their shopping habits.

Sixty-seven percent of the 68 people who participated in the poll said they shop outside of New Tampa now because orange cones and traffic make entering certain plazas too difficult.

What do you think of the project? Tell us in the comments.

See also:
Bruce B. Downs Construction Wrapping Up — Really
Bruce B. Downs Construction Driving You Batty?
Bruce B. Downs Construction: Progressive Inconvenience
Bruce B. Downs Construction Motoring Along
Bruce B. Downs Construction: 'Substantially Finished' By Late 2012?
Pipe Problem Slows Bruce B. Downs Construction Project