One of New Glarus’ largest street and utility projects of the year should be all but finished this week, as crews complete the final landscaping and restoration along 11th Avenue following more than five months of reconstruction.

Village Administrator Kelsey Jenson said in an Oct. 16 interview that topsoil had been placed and sod installation was underway. When asked whether work should be finished by the end of this week, she said, “The Village hopes to have work finished up this week.”

The project, which began May 4, involved a full reconstruction of 11th Avenue from Fifth Street to Railroad Street. What residents watched unfold above ground was only part of the job. Aging utilities and infrastructure beneath the street required more extensive work than originally anticipated, making the project much more than a straightforward paving operation.

Crews worked on water and sanitary sewer infrastructure, stormwater drainage, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, driveway aprons where needed, and accessibility improvements. After months of excavation and utility work, the street received its final asphalt surface Oct. 5, leaving landscaping and other finishing touches to complete.