AHOSKIE – A much-needed repaving project for Ahoskie’s Main Street is scheduled to begin next week.

According to NC DOT, Rose Brothers Paving plans to begin milling and resurfacing Main Street beginning Monday, Aug. 29.

Scott L. Emory, District Two Field Engineer for NC DOT, said the project will be divided into two parts, both of which will require the closing of portions of Main Street to thru traffic while the work is being performed.

On Monday, the plan is to close Main Street from Academy Street to the railroad crossing while this section is being milled. Once milling is complete this section will be reopened.

On Tuesday, the remainder of Main Street, east from the railroad crossing to its intersection with Catherine Creek Road, will be closed for milling. Upon completion this section will be reopened to thru traffic.

“By the end of the work day on Tuesday, Main Street in its entirety will be open to thru traffic,” said Emory.

He added that Wednesday will used as a “clean-up” day as well as for making some adjustments for the town’s utilities.

“Once all utilities are adjusted, Rose Brothers will pave Main Street utilizing this same traffic control scheme. On Thursday, Main Street will be closed from Academy to the railroad crossing for paving purposes; on Friday it will be closed from the railroad crossing to Catherine Creek Road,” Emory said. “We (DOT) will also use these Thursday and Friday road closures to stripe (paint traffic control lanes) Main Street.”

Emory said he understood the impact this project will have on Main Street businesses.

“We studied this plan from several different angles; we were looking for ways to minimize the impact on businesses as much as possible,” he said. “By using this plan, the work can be done faster, finished in five days, weather permitting. If we had proceeded with another plan to close down one lane at the time, one section at that time, and use flagmen to direct traffic, this project would take well over one week to finish.

“What I want to stress here is that at no time will the entire street be closed at the same time,” Emory added.

He said that message boards will be in place to advise motorists of the project.