For a moment I thought blasters had hit Hillsborough Street, but then realized I was mistaken. It was a bit disappointing because the latter isn’t nearly as entertaining.

Hamlett Construction crews are out nightly, jackhammering roadways, shining lights bright into the night and breaking the serenity that would be otherwise peaceful evenings on Hillsborough Street. I am unclear as to when this destruction started but I do know that this roadway has been under construction since I moved to Raleigh, late last year.

There has been a definite decrease in traffic, progressively since the summer began. Travel within this busy area has proven even tougher since it was decided to add Oberlin Road into the mix. Most drivers are finding alternate routes around the madness. Hopefully this is helpful in moving the crews and the process along more efficiently.

With many of the sidewalks now closed off or missing entirely, pedestrians are having to weave their way in and out of traffic barrels and dangerous encounters with buses, cars and construction vehicles that are moving through the area.

In a few busier foot traffic locations, informal crosswalks have been set up to get N.C. State students and staff across the muddy stretches of torn away roadway. Prepare to be cautious when crossing these areas. Mud, rocks, and asphalt, oh my.

Lonely sandwich boards and neon lights beckon to lesser crowds of people, most of whom just want to get off the street and away from the noise. Hillsborough businesses are sure to be the main sufferers during this phase of “upgrades” the city of Raleigh is experiencing. For the sake of Hillsborough St., let’s hope it ends soon.