Motorists traveling through Gloucester Court House late last week received a nice surprise when they found the regular traffic pattern had been restored around the court circle.

The fifth phase of the Gloucester Main Street Enhancement Project, which began last spring, has been basically completed, said Garrey Curry, Gloucester’s public works director. Only some minor "punch list" items remain to be completed, such as landscaping and finishing touches to the sidewalk.

The project includes an improved roadway around the traffic circle. A detour carried a portion of traffic through a nearby residential area during the construction. The detour ended last Wednesday afternoon in conjunction with the opening of the improved southbound side of court circle traffic.

Curry said the project included new roadways, sidewalks, crosswalks, and placement of utility lines underground on Main Street from court circle to Justice Drive. Also, the work included a makeover of the Ju...