Delays persist in the completion of the Pullman downtown reconstruction project as crews resume work this week.

The project, which began two weeks ago, focuses on the remaining tasks from last year’s extensive construction efforts. Initially, completion was anticipated for this past Friday; however, outstanding work including electrical installations, paving, landscaping, signage, and road striping was not finished during the previous construction schedule. Following a winter break, crews are back at the job site this spring.

City officials now project that these remaining tasks will be completed by this Friday. The ongoing work is expected to lead to minor traffic disruptions and parking closures in the downtown area.

Originally, the project was slated to take four months. However, crews dedicated nine months last year to the rebuilding of Main Street, which included updates to underground utilities and the installation of new sidewalks. Main Street was closed to traffic for over seven months during that time.

As the project has progressed into its second year, it remains months behind schedule and has exceeded its budget significantly. The City of Pullman is utilizing $9 million in federal COVID relief funds to cover a majority of the project costs, which have now surpassed $12 million.