The intersection of 13th and Main streets will soon be Artesia’s newest home for wayward orange barrels as the next phase of the 13th Street Reconstruction Project begins May 31. AUI Inc. will commence the second phase of the project – which will run from the alleyway behind Terry’s Electronics to 200 feet north of Main – on May 31 in order to replace the asphalt intersection at 13th and Main with concrete in an attempt to alleviate road damage caused by heavy traffic flow. Phase II is anticipated to last three months, with a projected Aug. 31 completion date. Of some solace to local drivers will be the reopening of 13th Street from the Terry’s alleyway south. That stretch of roadway, including the Grand Avenue intersection, has been closed since early December 2015. Summer travelers attempting to pass through town along U.S. 82, however, will be rerouted, meaning traffic is likely to increase along Hermosa Drive, Richey Avenue, and 26th Street.
