Since a temporary detour and Apache Trail closing last week, Cole County Public Works officials say the improvements on Business 50 in Apache Flats continue to move ahead of schedule.
The contractor, Don Schnieders Excavating, has been able to complete the subgrade work and Apache Trail intersection quicker than previously planned.
The current plan is to complete all driveway approaches and the rest of Apache Trail by the end of the week and begin paving Tuesday, depending on the weather.
The paving is expected to take about two days. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, they should have the asphalt base layer completed by the end of next week, which would be about approximately 2½ weeks ahead of schedule.
There will still be sidewalk and finish work to be completed over the next few weeks, but traffic will not be impacted except for occasional trucks and equipment entering and leaving the roadway, officials said.
The next phase of the project will likely begin at some point next week and that will start with stormwater inlets and pipe work.
Pioneer Trail Drive will be closed for some duration to allow for the construction of the intersection and a new permanent traffic signal. The intersection will be completed by the time Pioneer Trail School starts back up in August, officials said.
Public works officials added that the one-lane gravel drive that runs behind the Marine Corps League and the Regional West Fire Protection District Fire Station is on private property and is not to be used as a detour except for emergency vehicles. There have been some issues with this, and barricades will be placed to prevent its use.