The south side of Blair Avenue could re-open to traffic as early as the end of the week, Friday, Oct. 17, if all goes according to plan.

Depending on the weather, the paving of the intersection of Park Street and Blair Ave, near the post office, should be completed by Friday, as should the final lift of asphalt on the northern side of the avenue (near the Community Theatre), according Friday Harbor officials.

Project contractor Mike Carlson Enterprises finished the second and final lift of asphalt on the avenue’s southern portion Oct. 10. Concrete for the sidewalks in that area is set to be poured during the week of Oct. 20; the sidewalk area should be accessible to all businesses along the southern side in the interim.

The contractor and Orcas Power & Light Cooperative are continuing with the installation of the street lighting and plan to begin installation of trees and street grates.

The $1.4 million dollar project was delayed a number of times throughout the summer.

According to Carlson, president of the contracted company, the task of digging up, removing and replacing active and abandoned utility piping, conduits and wires (often intermixed with roots, clay and rocks), proved the primary cause the delays.

Despite roadblocks, the company was able to complete sidewalks on the west side of the avenue before the school year was in full-swing.

The Town of Friday Harbor expects to have updated information about the road project’s completion by Oct. 15, and about the possibility of weather delays.