As of Monday, the fifth phase of the Gloucester’s Main Street Enhancement Project was running about a month behind schedule, said Garrey Curry, the county’s public works director. Despite the delays, Curry expects the project to be completed before Christmas.

Delays have been caused by work stoppages to allow for the uncovering of some archaeological remains in the construction zone, Curry said, as well as some days lost because of rain.

However, David Reese, site foreman for Harbor Dredge & Dock of Richmond, general contractor for the project, said he and other crew have often been working six and seven days a week to complete the job before Christmas.

After the project is substantially completed, Curry and Reese said, there might be some "punch list" items to finish. Reese said a priority is to get the roadwork done, if possible, before the end of the year so that exposed roadway won’t be left open to the elements until work can resume next spr...