Massive Charles Street Construction Start Approaches

(UPDATE 4:20 p.m.)—The reconstruction of North Charles Street, which has been a source of anxiety for commuters, Charles Village residents and businesses, is set to begin Sept. 5.

According to a notice on the project's website, a "Notice to Proceed" was issued on July 30 and the contract for the project was awarded to Concrete General. Preconstruction activities are expected to start any day. The detour and narrowing of North Charles Street, between 28th Street and University Parkway, is expected to begin either in August or late September.

Adrienne Barnes, a Department of Transportation spokeswoman, said in an email that the "Utility Phase 1 Detour" is set to begin Sept. 5, in order to accommodate student arrival at Johns Hopkins University. 

Work on the $28 million project was initially expected to and finished by summer 2014, but has since been delayed.

Eventually construction will cause North Charles Street to be closed to all but northbound local traffic and emergency vehicles between 28th Street and University Parkway for nearly two years.

The project is intended to improve the infrastructure around Charles Street, streetscaping and safety.

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