Cherry Street Project to begin

CALLAWAY FL - “Cherry Street needs repair and has long before Hurricane Michael.”  said Callaway City Manager Ed Cook concerning the issue, during an interview in his office.

Cherry Street has inadequate drainage, and the pavement is very “trenched.”  “Minor repairs have been made over the years. These repairs were band aids because of the amount of damage over the years by the widening and continued asphalt overlays.” noted the City Manager.  These repairs, unfortunately, could not adequately address drainage considerations. Over the last three years, the city has taken the opportunity to study and understand exactly what needs to be done for the proper, and long-lasting repair, of Cherry Street. Everything is now ready to start the project. 

Mr. Cook further explains, “The survey that was used for the design from a previous project was lacking some utility conflict data.”  Upon initiation of the project, they found that the survey had not marked out the location of underground utility lines for residences and businesses along Cherry Street which extends from Star Avenue to Tyndall Parkway (Highway 98).  It is this stretch, between Star Avenue and Tyndall Parkway, which is to be repaired, and there are over thirty locations along this length where the underground utility lines must be relocated. 

The repair of Cherry Street will be, according to Mr. Cook, the largest and most costly project the City of Callaway has undertaken since he became city manager.  Over time, Cherry Street has been re-paved over the top of existing asphalt many times.  In some places the pavement is as much as two feet thick.  “This repair will remove all existing asphalt and drainage piping and start over with an all-new drainage system”, Mr. Cook explains, which will reduce the current flooding which occurs with each heavy rainstorm.

The project is ready to go. The project has been awarded, and the contractors are chomping at the bit to get started.  Once the utility lines are relocated and adjusted, the work can get started.  There is no conflict in locating the utility lines.  Both City of Callaway and TECO engineers are working cooperatively to accomplish the work. “Even though the project has been delayed, it will be completed,” states the City Manager.