During this time, customers may use the drop-off box located at the back of the building for any payments specific to the Treasurer’s Office.

This upgrade is part of the process that will bring credit card and online payment options in the coming months. Thank you for your patience as we get everything set up. Stay tuned for updates!

-City Manager’s Office
(540) 261-8600

Please expect delays, use caution when traveling through downtown, follow posted traffic control devices, and consider alternate routes if possible.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we address this unexpected issue and continue improving downtown infrastructure.

View the attached color-coded map for closures, traffic flow, and access points.

East Side – Starts Thursday, 2/5

• Full closure from Sycamore Ave to the alley for ~2 days
• The alley near City National Bank will remain open for access.

West Side – Starts Monday, 2/9

• One lane closed at a time over 3–4 days with INCOMING traffic only
• Traffic will exit behind City Hall/Courthouse toward 20th Street (follow yellow arrows on the map)
• All street parking will be closed.
• Impacts City Hall parking, nearby businesses, and the VIA/Junction 245.

Sycamore Ave – Starts Thursday, 2/12

• One lane closed at a time for 3–4 days
• One lane remains open for travel
• City National Bank access remains open

Please follow all posted signs and detours, drive carefully, and watch for crews and equipment in the work zones. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve the safety, accessibility, and appearance of downtown Buena Vista.

Crews are also continuing work to clear sidewalks and parking areas at key public locations as conditions allow.

Refuse collection is beginning with commercial routes. Some alleys will be assessed and worked on today as conditions allow, which will help determine when residential refuse collection can safely resume.

Water and sewer crews are responding to weather-related issues, including frozen meters and waterline concerns, and will continue addressing calls as they come in.

Public Works staff remain on duty as the City continues returning to normal operations. Thank you for your patience, and please continue to monitor City channels for updates.

While some progress has been made, roads remain icy and hazardous, and motorists are strongly encouraged to delay non-essential travel until later today, if possible. Extremely cold temperatures are slowing snow and ice removal and may cause refreezing, even on roads that have already been treated.

Crews continue to prioritize Routes 60 and 501, emergency routes, and primary city streets, while making repeated passes throughout the city. Due to ice-like conditions and low temperatures, most roads are not yet clear to pavement and will likely remain slick until temperatures rise and sunlight helps improve conditions.

With temperatures expected to remain below freezing for much of the week, travel may remain difficult for several days. Staying off the roads when possible helps crews work more efficiently and safely.

Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring local media and official City channels for updates.

Please use caution, allow extra time if travel is necessary, and stay safe

If you need immediate assistance, please email Sarah Burch at sarah.burch@bvcity.org or stop by in person at 2039 Sycamore Ave.

Project Timeline

• Forest Ave & 21st Street: December 8 – February
• Magnolia Ave & 21st Street: January
• Sycamore Ave & 21st Street: January – March

Traffic Updates: 21st Street & Sycamore Avenue Construction

As part of the streetscape updates, construction at the intersection of 21st Street and Sycamore Avenue will begin the week of January 19. During this work, the traffic signal will be temporarily out of service for 6-8 weeks, with stop signs controlling east-west traffic on 21st Street while north-south traffic on Sycamore Avenue will not stop. Both streets will remain open, though traffic may be reduced to one lane as construction progresses. Drivers are encouraged to use caution and allow extra travel time.

Key Improvements:

• New sidewalk corners, crosswalks, and landscaping at 21st St & Forest Ave
• New traffic signals and pedestrian countdown timers at 21st St & Magnolia Ave
• New sidewalk corners, crosswalks, traffic signals, and pedestrian countdown timers at 21st St & Sycamore Ave
• Replacement of broken sidewalk segments on 21st Street
• New street trees on 21st Street
• New street lights on 21st Street (Sycamore to the railroad) and on Sycamore Ave at the City Hall block

What to Expect (All timelines are weather dependent.)

• Forest Ave & 21st Street – December through February
• Initial work begins December 8 and includes phased improvements to sidewalks and corners. The intersection will remain open to traffic, though temporary parking restrictions near the work area will be in place.
• Magnolia Ave & 21st Street – January
• Signal pole replacement and related work will occur in January, with minimal travel impacts, except for a brief period of all-stop traffic during the signal switchover.
• Sycamore Ave & 21st Street – January through March
• Signal pole replacement is expected in January or February, followed by concrete corner work in February/March.

Public Information Session — December 16 at 5:00 PM at Asunder Coffee Roastery & Café (2037 Magnolia Ave)

The City will host a public information session on December 8 at 5:00 PM at Asunder Coffee Roastery & Café (2037 Magnolia Ave) for downtown businesses and nearby residents who may be affected by the construction. This session will provide an opportunity to learn more about upcoming phases, ask questions, and share feedback to help us minimize impacts and better support businesses throughout the project.
 
Property owners and businesses impacted by the Forest Avenue work beginning December 8 have already been notified. As construction moves to larger intersections and affects more of the business district, this session will help prepare the wider community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: Will intersections be closed during construction?
  • A: Forest Ave & 21^st Street and Magnolia Ave & 21^st Street will remain open to traffic throughout construction. Sycamore Ave & 21^st Street will have brief periods of partial closure. During traffic signal replacement at Magnolia Ave and at Sycamore Ave, there will periods when these are stop sign-controlled intersections.
• Q: How long will construction last?
  • A: Work is expected to continue through April, depending on weather and project progress. Each intersection will be worked on in phases:
    • Forest & 21st: December – February
    • Magnolia & 21st: January
    • Sycamore & 21st: January – March
• Q: Will parking be affected?
  • A: Yes, temporary parking restrictions will be in place near active construction zones. Specific outreach will be provided to property owners and businesses directly impacted.
• Q: Will sidewalks remain open?
  • A: Pedestrian access will be maintained except for brief periods of closure during construction. Detours will be provided and every effort made to limit disruption to businesses and residents.
• Q: How will I know when my property or business is impacted?
  • A: The City will provide direct notifications to property owners and businesses affected by construction phases, in addition to regular updates on the City website and social media.
• Q: Will construction occur during certain hours only?
  • A: No nighttime or weekend construction is anticipated.
• Q: Are there anticipated utility disruptions?
  • A: No utility disruptions are anticipated.
• Q: Who can I contact with questions?
  • A: Please contact:
    Tom Roberts, Director of Community Development
    troberts@bvcity.org
    (540) 261-8607