Heads up, Litchfield Park residents and commuters: major construction is hitting Desert Avenue, starting today. City officials announced the kick-off of a two-phase project aimed at improving Litchfield Square, with crews digging in from May 1 through the end of July. The work, which will stretch from Wigwam Boulevard to Honeysuckle Street, means traffic adjustments and some closed driveways.
According to an alert issued by the city, phase one will run until June 14, focusing on the west side of Desert Avenue. Traffic isn't coming to a halt, but it will be redirected to make room for the construction hustle. Pedestrians need not worry, though. The pathways will still be open despite the ruckus adjacent.
Then comes phase two, starting June 17. This time, it's the east side's turn to get a facelift, which will flip Desert Avenue into a one-way street, heading south. The city has warned that the east side driveways will be temporarily out of service, but alternate ones will be at the ready. The entire project is part of a broader effort to spruce up the square, a hub for locals and visitors alike.
For those looking to stay updated, or in case any last-minute changes crop up, the city has been keeping the public informed through its website. It promised to keep pedestrian access open throughout these construction phases, a piece of news that is likely to be a relief for foot commuters and local businesses that rely on foot traffic.
With summer temps on the rise and expansion plans in the pipeline, Litchfield Park is bracing for a season of change. Keep this guide bookmarked for a smoother ride through the construction period, and watch as Litchfield Square shapes up to be yet another gem in the city's crown.
