Weather forecasters are saying spring is here, the snow on the Valley bottom is all but melted, but the true sign of spring is when city crews break out the heavy equipment.

There are several projects planned by the City of Vernon for 2020, with possibly the biggest one getting underway this week.

The extension of 30th Street to 39th Avenue through the former Civic Arena property has begun with heavy equipment digging holes and moving dirt.

“We will have some road closures happening on 29th Street and 39th Avenue and that is to connect 29th Street and 30th Street at 39th Avenue,” said Christy Poirier, with the city.

“That construction is scheduled to take place between now and October. There will be detours in the area until then.”

Poirier reminds people all businesses in the construction area will be open for business while the work takes place.

Kirn Dhillon, manager of infrastructure, said the road extension is one of several projects on tap for the city this year.

“We are continuing with the downtown roads revitalization,” said Dhillon.

Dhillon said the projects include rehabilitation of 32 Avenue between 33 Street and 35 Street; upgrades on Pleasant Valley Road near 48 Avenue and upgrades to the existing Okanagan Landing Road sewer force main from Tronson Road to the Vernon Water Reclamation Centre.