Students at Clovis Unified School District will be starting school on Monday, an district officials are asking parents to give themselves more time as a major construction project is underway in North Clovis.

The Willow Avenue widening project started in June and construction crews are hard at work adding upgrades to the area.

“Willow Avenue right now is developed fully on the west side but on the east side, it’s an old county road so what we are doing right now is updating that county road into a fully built out city road,” City of Clovis Engineer Kevin Gross said.

The project will add three lanes in each direction between Copper and Shepherd Avenues.

It will also including a new sewer line, sidewalks and lighting in that area.

Gross said the construction is necessary for the development of the Heritage Grove community which is expected to be built in the near future.

City crews are also trying to keep traffic moving smoothly while construction is underway.

“None of the street lights are on red flash right now that’s to really maximize the flow of traffic in the area during construction. Upon completion of the construction, we are going to be modifying an improving four single light intersections,” he said.

Clovis Unified School District are asking parents to use International and Behymer Avenues when dropping off students.
Another option for students living in Harlan Ranch is to take the bus which is offered by the district.

“We’ve been sending out email, phone notifications. In the back to school messaging, schools have been letting parents know about the widening project just encouraging them to take it slow, give them some extra time,” Clovis Unified School District Director of Communications Kelly Avants said.

The project is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2020.