So here we are. As businesses on Market Street in Wheeling continue to struggle to survive the ongoing Downtown Streetscape project, and as motorists are forced to traverse a road that perhaps is the worst in our region at this time, we learn, to no one’s surprise, that the project is delayed — again.

What initially had been planned for a November 2024 completion — as in five months ago — is now, at best, likely a November 2025 completion. That means another questionable summer season for those business hanging on (Market Street is set to be paved in July). That means several more months of vehicle suspensions taking a beating. That means a downtown that, for three straight years, will have been under re-construction.

“There have been some challenges with utilities, but those have been worked through by the contractors — Triton, Evans and Pritchard,” an update from the project’s website — the first in 10 months — stated. “Businesses in the work zones are accessible.”

That’s true, but it’s not easy to maneuver downtown right now. Parking can be challenging. There are open holes dotting nearly the entirety of Market Street downtown. Construction equipment lines the streets and sidewalks.

But it’s not just Market Street that’s troubling. What about the (mostly) completed Main Street? Every time it rains, water pools at several locations. The plan to do away with downtown’s storm drains and instead force all the water into the bioswales … well, as of now, it doesn’t appear to be working. And those bioswales — are they finished? Is there additional work scheduled? As of now, their primary purpose appears to be as a trip and fall hazard. There’s a several-inch drop from street level to where the mulch and dirt in the swales begins. Who thought that transition was the right idea?

And consider upkeep. Just who will be responsible for keeping weeds out of the bioswales? Who will keep the trash out of those areas? It would be wise for local business owners — or possibly even the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce — to begin thinking of weekly volunteer opportunities to weed the bioswales and remove the trash. Outside of some folks who will use them as if they are a trash receptacle, there still will be paper, plastic bags, cups, wrappers and more that will blow into the holes. We should not expect city or state workers to have to come and clean up the mess.

These observations are not an indictment of the streetscape project; instead, they are a reminder that work some may already consider completed truly is not done. Project officials must ensure these items are addressed.

We’ve endured years of a sub-standard downtown. The last thing we want now is for the politicians to cut the ribbons, the contractors to leave … and our downtown to still have issues. Our residents deserve much better than that.