TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX) – The first of five blocks in downtown Twin Falls is getting a makeover.

Construction crews with Eagle-based Guho Corp. started work Monday on the portion of Main Avenue from Shoshone Street to Gooding Street.

Construction work started Monday on Main Avenue between Shoshone Street and Gooding Street in downtown Twin Falls. (Photo by Andrew Weeks)
Construction work started Monday on Main Avenue between Shoshone Street and Gooding Street in downtown Twin Falls. (Photo by Andrew Weeks)
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Each of the five blocks – from Jerome Street to Fairfield Street – will have new sidewalks, curbs and gutters, lighting and trees. Infrastructure will be improved and the road will receive new paving.

Crews have two months to get each block finished, said Project Supervisor Rob Clonginger. Planting of the trees – an array of urban-friendly species – will be the last of the work to be completed.

Clonginger said the plan is to plant trees as each of the block projects wrap up, but that depends on weather. If temperatures are too hot they might wait to plant the trees until cooler weather in early fall.

Crews worked in the alleyways last week, doing demo work on the storm drain system. About 10 to 15 crew members are working on the first block, he said, but more members will be added as work progresses.

Pedestrian access will be maintained along Main Avenue during the project, according to the city – though in some cases parking may not be as convenient. Parking will remain available at lots behind the avenue, and some businesses have back doors that customers can access.

The redevelopment project includes five blocks of Main Avenue in downtown Twin Falls. Each segment will take about two months to complete. (Photo by Andrew Weeks)
The redevelopment project includes five blocks of Main Avenue in downtown Twin Falls. Each segment will take about two months to complete. (Photo by Andrew Weeks)
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The redevelopment project of Main Avenue is scheduled to be completed this fall, as is the new City Hall on Main Avenue East and Hansen Street East.

The city held a ceremony on April 11 to kick off the Main Avenue project.

“We’re going to be a little torn up for a while, but when all is said and done” it’ll be something residents will be proud of, Dan Brizee, chairman of the Urban Renewal Agency, said at the event.

“I think it’ll be a good thing,” said Twin Falls resident Kelly Human. “Right now, downtown looks pretty dated.”

Clonginger said that for most part business owners have been welcoming and understanding of the construction work taking place outside their shops – though they are eager for work to be finished.

“We’re all on the same page with that,” he said. “We all just want to get it done. We want to get in and get out. … We have a goal and obligation to the businesses. We want to stay on schedule.”

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