By correspondent Tammy Grubb

The town reopened the last section of Weaver Street to traffic today after completing a nearly yearlong renovation from East Main Street to West Main Street.

The town and OWASA are sharing the cost of the $1.8 million project.
The street was closed in early March so crews with Hannah Utilities of Durham could dig it up and replace 80-year-old water lines, improve storm sewers, and build new curbs and gutters. East Weaver Street reopened in June, much to the relief of business owners whose customers had trouble navigating the construction zone. The effects were exacerbated when workers found substandard soil under the existing road, one of Carrboro’s oldest streets. The soil had to be replaced and stabilized before a new roadbed was built.

Work on West Weaver Street started July 7 and was completed in smaller phases to limit the effects on those businesses. Town staff also placed larger signs and maps at each end of West Weaver Street to let people know businesses were open and accessible.

Owners of at least three businesses – Maple View Ice Cream, The Red Hen consignment shop and Carrboro Raw juice bar – cited the ongoing construction work in their decisions to close. Red Hen has since reopened at University Mall.