Monterey extending the timeline for its downtown streetlight installation project after contractors discovered existing fixtures were improperly installed.
Monterey Mayor Alex Garcia said the work would continue throughout the holiday weekend.
“When I say improperly, I mean there wasn’t a footer poured with bolts sticking up so you can bolt and unbolt lights,” Garcia said, “They basically just poured concrete around the lights. So it’s going to take a little longer than we actually than we first thought.”
Garcia said the project involves replacing 34 concrete fixtures from the 1990s that have begun to disintegrate over time. Garcia said the new black aluminum poles will feature downward-facing LED heads designed to eliminate nighttime light pollution.
“I mean, I think the look is going to be much more much nicer, much more modern,” Garcia said. “Brighter light because we’re not just putting light out there, you know, all the way around, it’s going to be facing down where it should be to the streets and sidewalks. So I think you’re going to notice a big difference on these. Every light will also have an outlet, so when we have festivals down Main Street, you know, people will be able to plug into that and use electricity.”
Garcia said the total cost of the project was originally $80,000, with the town responsible for 25 percent of the funding through a downtown improvement grant. Garcia said he anticipates the final cost will increase due to the additional labor and materials required to correct the previous installation errors.
“We’re doing the best we can,” Garcia said. “There’s always going to be some kind of, you know, when you’re doing construction and you’re trying to improve the city, there’s always going to be a little bit of impedance. But I think all of our downtown businesses are okay with it. They’re also participating in the downtown improvement grant for the most part. So I think everyone’s okay with it. We all have the same goal.”
Garcia said the work will result in temporary sidewalk closures and the use of on-street parking spots for equipment, though traffic flow should not be impeded. Garcia said the contractors are working through the Labor Day weekend to minimize the impact on local businesses and residents.
“Like I said, they’re working through this weekend, and I think that’s going to be a plus,” Garcia said. “You know, for the most part, everybody’s off on Monday, Labor Day, and they’re going to work through it so that they don’t cause any messes.”
Garcia said the town expects the project to be completed in approximately one month once the new concrete footers have had sufficient time to dry.
