Deteriorating asphalt is being removed and replaced on North Main Street starting Monday.

It is part of the overall $3.4 million bike and pedestrian improvement project between Alameda Street and Northgate Drive that started in March and will end in November.

The street will remain open during the pavement work but there will be lane closures meaning traffic delays are likely.

After the pavement repairs are made, a new sealcoat will be applied allowing for new striping for lane markings and high profile green bike lanes to be painted.

The pavement work is one of two remaining major components of the project.

A high Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon signal system will be installed  at the North Main Street intersection with Edison Street.

HAWK signals operate in a yellow-red-flashing red sequence to alert motorists that pedestrians need to cross the road. 

Unlike traffic signals, the HAWK signal only operates when a pedestrian pushes the crossing button. Vehicles are free to move when no one is crossing the street.

There also will be a high profile crossing for pedestrians at North Main Street and Jason Street with overhead flashers similar to what is on Yosemite Avenue in front of Manteca High.

The Jason Street crossing is being installed by a different contractor who has started work on a $4 million citywide Safe Routes to Schools project.

As for North Main Street, the contractor has been tweaking the pedestrian fencing in the median and signage after the city took note of concerns expressed by citizens and weighed whether it made sense from a safety standpoint to make alterations.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com