Construction activities on Railroad Ave. in College Town are set to persist until early 2025. The city of Tallahassee had initially anticipated its completion by the end of 2024; however, severe weather events have caused significant setbacks. Now, let's listen to a college student who frequently traverses this road.

Unraveling the Delays on Railroad Ave. Construction

Initial Project Timeline and Its Alteration

When construction on Railroad Ave. commenced late last year, the city of Tallahassee projected a one-year duration. But as time has passed, it's evident that this timeline is not being adhered to. One year has elapsed, yet the work site remains active. Alberto Camargo, the College Town neighborhood reporter, is here to shed light on why the project has been delayed and how much longer it will take.During the past year since construction began, the impact on local businesses and the confusion caused by the irregular construction schedule for neighbors have been significant. The work that was supposed to be completed by now is still several months away.

Reason for Delays: Severe Weather Events

Public infrastructure and engineering manager Eric Gooch explains that the progress has been backed up due to severe weather events this year. In addition to the rain days accounted for, there have been a few unexpected utility hiccups and similar issues. These are common occurrences during any construction project.

The Focus on Pedestrian Safety and Future Improvements

The work on Railroad Ave. is primarily centered around prioritizing pedestrian safety. A wide multi-use trail is planned for the west side of the road, where construction has not yet begun. Laci Smoot, a FAMU student, shared her perspective. As an out-of-state student without transportation, the sidewalk is crucial as it is her only means to get groceries. She has been walking up and down Railroad Ave. for years and looks forward to the new-look design once the construction is completed. "Since the driving here is so bad, I really appreciate the sidewalks. The less I have to cross the street, the better," she said.Alongside the road work, a new housing project is also taking shape. Buildings that once housed Roboto Tokyo Grill and the old GVO nightclub have been demolished to make way for a five-story apartment building with 76 units. The city of Tallahassee now estimates that the project will be completed by early 2025. In College Town, Alberto Camargo from ABC27 continues to keep us updated on these developments.