Couplet project is a go

The city of Chico’s First and Second Street Couplet project will begin in earnest July 14 with the closing of the intersection at First and Salem streets near the Bidwell Presbyterian Church and Chico State’s Laxson Auditorium.

Bob Greenlaw, senior civil engineer, said that intersection will be closed for about a month while a “drop-off circle” is constructed. Traffic will be routed through the parking lot behind the building that houses Celestino’s Pizza. There also will be construction activity along Second Street at the new Chico State parking structure.

The project will turn First Street and a portion of Second Street into one-way corridors, running west and east, respectively, enhancing traffic flow and pedestrian and bicycle travel. Greenlaw said construction will be stretched over two years to save money and lessen impacts on the public.